Hyperliquid (HYPE) is slowly approaching a decisive governance moment as analysts and market participants reassess the protocol’s long-term outlook against the backdrop of a proposed large-scale HYPE token burn.

After months of declining prices and heightened volatility across crypto markets, attention has shifted from short-term price action to structural changes that could improve HYPE’s supply dynamics and investor expectations.

At the center of the debate is a governance proposal by the Hyper Foundation to formally treat all HYPE held in the Hyperliquid Assistance Fund as permanently burned. While these tokens are already locked in an address without a private key, the vote seeks to codify their removal from performance.

If approved, the decision would mark one of the most significant supply reductions in the protocol’s history, removing more than 37 million HYPE, over 10% of circulating supply, through a validator-backed consensus.

Governance Vote Puts Hyperliquid Supply Structure in Focus

The Assistance Fund accumulates HYPE through an automated mechanism that converts trading fees generated on Hyperliquid’s perpetuals exchange into the native token. These tokens sit in a system address that has never been controlled by a private key, making them inaccessible unless a protocol-level upgrade is authorized.

Under the current proposal, validators are being asked to establish a binding social consensus that no such upgrade will ever occur. Voting is stake-weighted, with validators signaling their positions by December 21, and final results are expected on December 24.

Approval would effectively lock in a more restrictive supply model, preventing the Assistance Fund from being used for grants, liquidity support, or emergency measures in the future.

The proposal follows earlier, unadopted discussions around broader supply cuts in 2025, suggesting a renewed effort to clarify HYPE’s long-term monetary framework rather than pursue incremental adjustments.

Hyperliquid (HYPE) has stabilized near the $26 level after several days of losses, with market data suggesting the proposed burn is not yet fully priced in. Futures open interest has climbed above $1.5 billion, and funding rates have turned positive, pointing to growing bullish positioning ahead of the validator vote.

In contrast, spot market activity remains muted, as trading volumes have edged lower and technical indicators continue to reflect lingering bearish momentum.

Beyond short-term price action, analysts are increasingly focused on Hyperliquid’s longer-term valuation framework. Cantor Fitzgerald has cited the protocol’s fee-driven and deflationary design as a potential driver of sustained growth, projecting billions in annual fees if adoption expands.

From this perspective, the Assistance Fund burn is seen as a test of whether stricter supply discipline can help rebuild confidence, with the vote outcome likely shaping how Hyperliquid’s economic model is evaluated into 2026.

Cover image from ChatGPT, HYPEUSD chart from Tradingview

Solana (SOL) is approaching a decisive moment as its price drifts closer to the psychologically important $100 level, caught between weakening market momentum and a series of structural changes unfolding across the network.

Related Reading: Here Are The Meme Coins With Over 100% Rallies While Dogecoin And Shiba Inu Struggle

After more than a year trading within a broad range, recent price action suggests that the long-standing balance between buyers and sellers is under strain. At the same time, macroeconomic uncertainty and technical upgrades are reshaping how investors assess risk around the asset.

SOL has spent much of 2024 and 2025 oscillating between major support and resistance zones, but recent attempts to rebound have been increasingly shallow. Price is now hovering just above key demand areas, with traders closely watching whether these levels can continue to absorb selling pressure.

Solana Price Near Key Support as Bearish Signals Build

From a technical perspective, Solana has slipped toward the lower end of its multi-month range, from $145 to $120. Momentum indicators remain weak, with relative strength measures remaining below neutral levels and trend indicators indicating continued downside pressure.

Repeated failures to reclaim former support zones have shifted attention to the $120–$125 area, which has acted as a floor several times in recent months.

A decisive break below this band could expose SOL to a move toward the $100 region, where historical demand clusters sit. Some analysts warn that if selling accelerates and liquidity thins, the price could overshoot that level before stabilizing.

Others note that volume has declined alongside price, suggesting hesitation rather than panic, which leaves room for a short-term bounce if buyers step in.

Macro Signals Add to Uncertainty

Broader economic conditions are adding another layer of complexity. Rising U.S. unemployment and expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts have kept markets divided. Lower rates have historically supported crypto assets by improving liquidity, but mixed signals from policymakers have limited risk appetite so far.

For Solana, this means macro optimism has yet to translate into sustained inflows. Traders appear reluctant to commit heavily until there is clearer guidance from the Fed. A dovish shift could support a relief rally, while a pause in easing may reinforce downside risks and keep SOL pinned near current levels.

While price struggles, Solana’s network continues to evolve. The blockchain recently withstood one of the largest DDoS attacks recorded, maintaining transaction speeds with minimal disruption.

Separately, the Solana Foundation has begun testing post-quantum cryptographic signatures, signaling preparation for long-term security challenges.

Related Reading: Bitcoin Speculative Activity Cooling Fast: IFP Shows Steep Slide

These developments underline improving infrastructure resilience, but they have not yet offset near-term market pressure. For now, SOL’s outlook hinges on whether buyers can defend key support as macro conditions and technical signals converge. A clear break or rebound near $100 is likely to define sentiment into early 2026.

Cover image from ChatGPT, SOLUSD chart from Tradingview

Ethereum’s (ETH) recent pullback is starting to reflect more than short-term price volatility. As ETH trades below the $3,000 mark, a combination of heavy liquidations, declining network activity, and sustained institutional outflows is reinforcing concerns about weakening demand.

While prices have so far held above key support levels, multiple indicators suggest that selling pressure remains firmly in place, leaving the market in a cautious holding pattern.

Over the past week, Ethereum has fallen roughly 12%, underperforming several major assets during a broader market correction. The drop pushed ETH briefly toward the $2,850–$2,900 zone, triggering over $200 million in liquidation, one of the largest liquidation events in recent months.

Network Activity and Ethereum ETF Flows Signal Waning Participation

Beyond price action, Ethereum’s on-chain metrics are showing signs of cooling participation.

Weekly active addresses fell from around 440,000 earlier in the quarter to roughly 324,000 in December, marking the lowest level since May. Transaction counts have also dropped to mid-year lows, pointing to reduced engagement from both retail and institutional users.

At the same time, U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs continue to see persistent outflows. Data from SoSoValue shows more than $224 million exiting ETH ETFs over several consecutive sessions, led primarily by BlackRock’s ETHA fund.

Since mid-December, the total net assets across U.S. spot ETH ETFs have declined by more than $3 billion, suggesting that institutions are trimming their exposure rather than adding to positions. The Coinbase Premium Index turning negative further supports the view that U.S.-based selling pressure has returned.

Large holders have added to near-term pressure. On-chain data shows more than 28,500 ETH sold by a handful of whale wallets within a short period, including transactions exceeding $80 million in total value.

Despite this distribution, ETH has so far avoided a sharp breakdown, with buyers repeatedly defending levels near $2,880.

From a technical standpoint, Ethereum remains in a medium-term downtrend. Price continues to trade below key moving averages, while momentum indicators such as RSI remain below neutral levels.

Related Reading: Bitcoin ‘Death Cross’ Panic Returns: History Says It’s A Late Signal

Resistance is clustered between $3,050 and $3,120, and failure to reclaim that zone leaves ETH vulnerable to another test of $2,800. If that support gives way, analysts point to the $2,400–$2,600 range as the next area of interest.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview

Russia has reiterated its firm stance on crypto, drawing a clear distinction between digital assets and traditional currency. While global debate continues over whether crypto can coexist with national currencies, Russian lawmakers are reinforcing a long-held view.

Inside the country, payments remain the sole domain of the ruble. The position comes as crypto usage grows worldwide and as Russia experiments with alternative settlement tools for cross-border trade under pressure from sanctions.

At the center of the latest comments is Anatoly Aksakov, chair of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets and a key figure behind Russia’s crypto legislation. Speaking to state media, Aksakov said there is no ambiguity in the law.

Lawmakers Reinforce Ruble-only Payment Rule

In Russia, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum can be held or traded as investments, but they are not permitted to function as a means of payment in domestic commerce, according to lawmaker Anatoly Aksakov. All payments for goods and services must continue to be settled in rubles.

Aksakov’s remarks restate provisions introduced in Russia’s 2020 digital assets law, which removed cryptocurrencies from any form of legal tender. Lawmakers argue that money must be issued and controlled by the state, and private digital currencies do not meet that standard.

Officials say there are no plans to soften this stance. The rule applies across retail, online services, and business contracts, closing the door on crypto payments regardless of adoption trends or market conditions.

Central Bank Skepticism Shapes Policy

The Bank of Russia continues to play a decisive role in this approach. Governor Elvira Nabiullina has long warned that cryptocurrencies pose risks to financial stability and consumer protection.

The central bank has consistently opposed using crypto as a medium of exchange and has previously pushed for broad restrictions on exchanges and transactions.

This position has led to years of friction with the Ministry of Finance, which favored regulation and taxation over outright limits. While several legislative proposals emerged from that debate, none altered the core prohibition on crypto payments. Today, policymakers appear to be aligned in preserving the ruble’s monopoly.

Although crypto is barred from internal payments, Russian authorities acknowledge its growing role in international trade. Businesses are permitted to use digital assets for cross-border settlements under an experimental legal regime, a workaround that has gained traction amid global financial restrictions.

Officials estimate that billions of dollars’ worth of trade has already moved through such channels. Similarly, Russia has legalized cryptocurrency mining and is tightening oversight of the sector, underscoring a split strategy, limited use abroad, and strict control at home.

That divide alone defines Russia’s crypto policy. Digital assets may serve as investment tools or external settlement instruments, but inside the country, the ruble remains the only means of payment.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

The market entered a sharper pullback this week after the Senate confirmed that a long-anticipated crypto structure legislation will not advance before the end of the year.

Related Reading: Crypto Market Structure Bill Stalled: Senate Banking Committee Pushes Markup To Early 2026

What many investors had hoped would be a closing act for regulatory clarity in 2025 instead became another extension of uncertainty, triggering risk-off behavior across digital assets and related investment products. The delay arrived at a fragile moment for markets grappling with growing sensitivity to policy signals from Washington.

Bitcoin slid below the $86,000 level, while the broader digital asset market shed roughly $140 billion in capitalization within hours. The total market value has fallen to around $2.93 trillion, its lowest level in several weeks, as traders reassessed regulatory timelines that now extend into early 2026.

Senate Pushes Crypto Market Structure Talks Into 2026

The Senate Banking Committee confirmed it will not hold a markup hearing on the crypto market structure billbefore Congress adjourns for the holidays.

While committee leadership says bipartisan negotiations are progressing, lawmakers acknowledged that time has run out to move the bill forward in 2025. Chairman Tim Scott’s office reiterated that discussions with Democratic counterparts are ongoing, with a markup now expected in early 2026.

The proposed legislation is designed to clarify how digital assets are regulated in the U.S., including defining the respective roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Under current drafts, the CFTC would oversee spot crypto markets, while securities laws would be more clearly applied to token issuers and intermediaries. Parallel efforts in the Senate Agriculture Committee, which also oversees the CFTC, have yet to reach a markup stage, further slowing the process.

Market Reaction Highlights Fragile Sentiment

The legislative setback quickly translated into market pressure. Bitcoin fell from near $90,000 to the mid-$85,000 range, while Ethereum dropped below $3,000. Additionally, the average crypto RSI fell to around 32, indicating that the market is within oversold territory.

Analysts pointed to elevated derivatives positioning and heavy open interest around key price levels as factors amplifying downside moves. Exchange-traded products reflected the shift, with Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs recording significant outflows as institutional investors reduced exposure.

Some market observers noted that unrealized losses have risen sharply, while funding conditions and leverage remain stretched, making prices more vulnerable to negative catalysts such as policy delays.

Despite the legislative pause, regulators have continued to act within existing frameworks. The SEC has issued staff guidance and hosted public discussions on how current securities laws apply to crypto activities, while the CFTC has taken steps to expand supervised spot market participation.

However, industry participants say these measures fall short of the comprehensive clarity the market structure bill is meant to deliver.

Related Reading: Terra Founder Do Kwon Could Face 30-Year Sentence In Potential South Korean Trial

The Senate’s decision reinforces a familiar pattern for crypto markets: policy delays translating into heightened volatility. With negotiations set to resume in early 2026, investors will be left to navigate another extended period where regulatory questions remain unresolved.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart on Tradingview

Hedera’s HBAR token is trading near its lowest levels in more than a year, reflecting both broader crypto market weakness and project-specific headwinds.

After a steady decline through November and December, HBAR has slipped into a tight consolidation range, with traders debating whether the current pause marks a base for a short-term rebound or a continuation of the downtrend.

Recent price action indicates growing activity around key technical levels, despite mixed fundamental indicators.

HBAR Slides to Multi-Month Lows as Selling Pressure Builds

HBAR fell to around $0.11–$0.12 this week after failing to hold above the $0.125 support zone, a level that had acted as a floor several times earlier in the year. The drop coincided with a wider market pullback, as Bitcoin and major altcoins weakened ahead of global macro events, including Senate decisions in the U.S.

Trading data shows that volume surged sharply during attempts to reclaim resistance near $0.119–$0.120, suggesting active distribution rather than sustained accumulation.

Market structure has turned decisively bearish over recent sessions. HBAR is now trading below key moving averages, and momentum indicators such as RSI and MACD continue to point lower.

On-chain and ecosystem data have also weighed on sentiment, with Hedera’s total value locked declining significantly from earlier highs and stablecoin supply on the network shrinking over recent months.

Volume Spikes Show Key Support and Resistance Zones

Despite the broader downtrend, recent volume patterns have drawn attention from short-term traders. During one session, HBAR volume jumped more than 80% above its daily average as the price tested resistance near $0.119.

The rejection triggered another wave of selling, but late-session activity showed renewed buying interest as the price approached the $0.112–$0.113 area. This zone is now viewed as immediate support, with a deeper psychological level around $0.10 acting as the next downside reference if selling resumes.

On the upside, analysts are watching $0.119–$0.122 as a critical resistance band. A clean break above this range would be needed to shift short-term structure and open the door for a move toward prior highs near $0.13.

Some technical analysts argue that HBAR is approaching oversold conditions, noting weakening bearish momentum and signs of trendline breaks on lower timeframes. These signals have fueled short-term bounce scenarios targeting the mid-$0.12 to $0.14 range, provided support continues to hold.

Others remain cautious, pointing to stalled demand for recent Hedera-linked investment products and slowing ecosystem growth. From this view, failure to defend current levels could expose HBAR to a retest of $0.10, a level last seen during earlier liquidation events.

Cover image from ChatGPT, HBARUSD chart from Tradingview

Cardano’s ADA token has returned to a familiar but uncomfortable zone. After months of lower highs and failed recovery attempts, the price has slid back toward long-term support levels that have defined its structure for more than two years.

The move comes amid a broader market pullback, as risk appetite weakens across equities and crypto, but ADA’s decline is also being shaped by internal technical signals that traders are finding hard to ignore.

ADA currently trades near $0.38–$0.39, down approximately 5.57% over the past 24 hours. That drop places the token close to a multi-year ascending support trend line that has held for nearly 900 days.

Derivatives and Positioning Point to Caution

Market data indicate that traders are stepping back rather than leaning into the decline. Futures open interest in ADA has decreased by approximately 11% to around $670 million, indicating that positions are being closed rather than expanded.

Funding rates have also softened, with more than 55% of tracked positions now skewed to the short side. Together, these metrics point to reduced confidence in a near-term rebound and a market that is positioning defensively.

This caution is not isolated to Cardano. Altcoins across the board have come under pressure as investors adopt a risk-off stance ahead of key U.S. macroeconomic data, including inflation and labor reports, and as concerns surrounding the AI sector spill over into correlated assets like cryptocurrency.

Technical Structure Near a Breaking Point

On the charts, ADA’s structure remains fragile. The token recently lost the $0.53 horizontal support, confirming a bearish shift on higher timeframes.

Momentum indicators reflect that change. The RSI is below 50, and the MACD remains in a negative position. Recent price action looks corrective rather than impulsive, suggesting the latest bounce may already have run its course.

ADA is still hovering near its long-term diagonal support, but a clean breakdown would likely alter the outlook materially. Some analysts warn that, if this trend line fails, the price could retrace much deeper, potentially toward levels last seen during the previous bear market.

Despite the weak near-term picture, longer-term projections remain divided. One technical analyst has argued that ADA’s current consolidation resembles a prolonged corrective phase similar to the setup seen before its 2020 breakout, outlining upside targets ranging from the $5 area to above $10 in a full bull scenario.

However, those views hinge on the market first stabilizing and reclaiming key resistance zones. For now, ADA’s focus is simpler. The token is at a critical phase, with long-term support under pressure and sentiment cautious. Whether this level marks a base or a breakdown will likely shape Cardano’s trajectory into 2026.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ADAUSD chart from Tradingview

Dogecoin’s (DOGE) latest selloff has forced traders to confront a question that has followed the meme coin since its peak years. Is this another temporary washout, or a deeper reset in how the market values DOGE?

Related Reading: XRP Hasn’t Entered A Bear Market Yet; Analyst Shares Why

Over the past 24 hours, Dogecoin slipped sharply below levels that had held through weeks of consolidation, erasing a sense of stability that many participants had grown accustomed to. The move unfolded without a single defining catalyst, instead reflecting broader weakness across higher-beta crypto assets.

At the same time, DOGE’s highly visible online presence has remained active, creating a contrast between weakening price action and persistent cultural relevance.

Breakdown Below Key Support Shifts Short-Term Structure

In the past 24 hours, Dogecoin (DOGE) fell about 5.5%, sliding from roughly $0.1367 to near $0.129, and briefly trading as low as $0.1266.

The drop pushed the price below the $0.1370 and $0.1300 support zones, levels that had defined the lower boundary of its recent range. Trading volume surged to around 1.36 billion tokens, more than 180% above average, suggesting the move was driven by active selling rather than gradual drift.

Technically, DOGE is now trading below its 100-hour simple moving average, with a bearish trend line forming near $0.1340. Attempts to reclaim $0.1300 have so far failed, reinforcing that level as immediate resistance.

Market participants note that once intermediate supports gave way, bid depth appeared thin, allowing the DOGE price to move lower with limited pauses.

Sentiment Signals Clash With Weak Dogecoin Price Action

Despite the selloff, Dogecoin remains a popular online presence. The official Dogecoin ecosystem account recently acknowledged renewed public endorsements, including comments from a high-profile entrepreneur, and resurfaced cultural callbacks tied to DOGE’s 2021 run.

From a positioning standpoint, Dogecoin remains significantly below its all-time high and has declined sharply on a year-to-date basis. Open interest has also declined significantly from earlier 2025 peaks, pointing to reduced speculative participation.

For some traders, this is evidence of capitulation; for others, it signals a quieter phase where excess leverage and hype are being flushed out.

In the near term, market focus is centered on the $0.1290–$0.1280 zone. Holding above this area could allow DOGE to consolidate, while a sustained break lower may expose support near $0.1250 and potentially the $0.1200 region.

On the upside, a reclaim of $0.1300 would be the first indication that downside momentum is easing, though former supports above $0.1340 remain key hurdles.

Related Reading: US Bitcoin Session Leads December Returns After Weak November

Whether this move marks the end of an era or a broader reset remains to be seen. For now, Dogecoin remains in a fragile stabilization phase, where confirmation, rather than conviction, is driving trading decisions.

Cover image from ChatGPT, DOGEUSD chart from Tradingview

Japan is quietly reimagining how digital assets fit into its financial system, and the timing is drawing attention. While global markets are already sensitive to upcoming macro decisions from the Bank of Japan (BoJ), Tokyo is advancing parallel reforms that touch crypto regulation, taxation, and broader liquidity conditions.

Related Reading: Ex-Terra Insider Calls Do Kwon Case ‘Backwards’ In Explosive X Thread

Together, these moves are forcing investors to reassess how Japan may influence crypto markets in the months ahead, not just through headlines, but also through structural changes.

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has outlined plans to shift crypto oversight away from the Payment Services Act toward the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Crypto Moves From Payments to Investment Rules

Under the proposed framework, cryptocurrencies would be treated more explicitly as financial products rather than payment tools. Oversight would move under securities-style rules, aligning crypto trading closer to traditional investment markets.

The FSA has emphasized stronger investor protection, particularly around token offerings. Exchanges handling initial exchange offerings would be required to provide detailed disclosures, including the identities of issuers, token distribution methods, and independent code audits.

The framework mirrors elements seen in the EU’s MiCA regime and South Korea’s crypto laws, including explicit bans on insider trading and tighter controls on unregistered or overseas platforms serving Japanese users. Rather than signaling deregulation, the shift suggests Japan is standardizing its crypto space.

Tax Reform Sends a Different Signal

Alongside tighter oversight, Japan is preparing a significant tax reform. Crypto gains, currently taxed as miscellaneous income at rates that can reach 55%, are set to move to a flat 20% rate. This would place digital assets on similar footing with stocks and other capital assets.

The proposal reflects years of pressure from investors and startups, who have argued that punitive taxation has pushed activity offshore.

While the regulatory net tightens, the tax cut points toward an effort to keep capital and innovation within Japan, potentially improving long-term participation rather than encouraging short-term speculation.

Despite policy shifts that appear supportive on paper, market reaction has been muted. Assets such as XRP have remained range-bound even amid Japan-related developments, reflecting low volumes and liquidity fragmentation rather than enthusiasm or fear.

Similarly, macro forces loom larger. The BoJ is expected to hike rates later this month, a move that has historically coincided with risk-off behavior in crypto as yen liquidity tightens. Japan is also preparing to offload over $500 billion in ETFs at a slow pace, underscoring policymakers’ caution about destabilizing markets.

Related Reading: Bitcoin Makes The Cut As Brazil’s Largest Private Bank Issues 2026 Guidance

Japan’s crypto policy reset looks less like a catalyst and more like a backdrop. Whether it ultimately supports prices may depend less on regulation itself and more on how liquidity, rates, and risk appetite settle once key macro decisions are out of the way.

Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview

Bitcoin (BTC) began the new trading week on the back foot, slipping below the $90,000 mark as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a dense slate of U.S. economic data and key global central bank decisions.

After reaching an all-time high of $126,000 in October, the world’s top cryptocurrency has struggled to regain momentum, instead entering a period marked by tight ranges, low volatility, and subdued trading volumes.

Market movers appear reluctant to commit to new positions as uncertainty builds around the direction of macroeconomic trends. Bitcoin was trading near $89,600 during early Monday sessions, extending weekend losses and reflecting a broader risk-off mood across global markets.

Bitcoin Volatility Compresses as Technical Levels Tighten

Bitcoin’s recent price behavior has been defined by historically low volatility, with the asset hovering in a narrow band just below $90,000.

Analysts note that such compression often precedes a sharper move. Technical analyst Aksel Kibar has identified a critical setup on the daily chart, suggesting that a decisive breakout or breakdown could be imminent.

On the downside, failure to hold current levels could open the door to a decline toward the $86,000 area, with deeper support seen between $73,700 and $76,500. On the upside, a sustained break above resistance near $94,600 could shift momentum and put the $100,000 level back into focus.

Other traders have echoed calls for patience, advising investors to wait for a confirmed move outside the current range before taking positions.

On-Chain Signals and Liquidity Raise Caution

Beyond chart patterns, on-chain data has reinforced a more cautious outlook. Analysts at CryptoQuant have highlighted weakening demand and selling pressure near key moving averages, suggesting that recent rebounds have lacked conviction.

Declining liquidity following the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut has also weighed on Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, according to market makers.

Still, not all signals are uniformly bearish. Data from Glassnode shows that some digital asset treasury firms have quietly resumed Bitcoin accumulation, despite prices struggling to stabilize. This mixed backdrop underscores the market’s current indecision.

Attention now turns to a busy macroeconomic calendar. Investors are watching delayed U.S. jobs data, inflation reports, retail sales figures, and flash PMI readings for clues on growth and interest rate expectations. Speeches from Federal Reserve officials later in the week could further influence sentiment.

Globally, central bank meetings add another layer of uncertainty. Decisions from the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and especially the Bank of Japan, where a rate hike is widely expected, are being closely monitored for their impact on global liquidity.

With volatility compressed and key catalysts approaching, Bitcoin appears poised at a crossroads as markets await clearer signals on economic and policy direction.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

XRP has spent the past several weeks moving sideways around the $2.00 level, even as headlines around Ripple and the broader XRP ecosystem continue to stack up.

Related Reading: Dogecoin Holds Demand Zone Above $0.13, What A Bounce Would Do

From a $300 million venture fund expansion into South Korea to nearly $1 billion in spot ETF inflows and fresh regulatory approvals, the backdrop appears supportive on paper.

However, price action tells a different story. Instead of responding to institutional traction and regional growth, XRP remains locked in a tight range, reflecting a disconnect between developments and market behavior.

Institutional Growth Isn’t Translating Into Token Demand

Ripple’s expansion into South Korea through a $300 million venture fund has drawn attention due to the involvement of well-established, Seoul-based asset managers.

However, market participants are increasingly viewing this move as tied to Ripple’s corporate strategy and potential IPO positioning, rather than direct demand for XRP. Institutional investors tend to prioritize predictable cash-flow or equity-style exposure, limiting the immediate impact such initiatives have on the token’s market dynamics.

A similar pattern is visible in the ETF market. Spot XRP ETFs have recorded roughly $990 million in inflows over 30 consecutive days, making them one of the fastest-growing crypto fund segments.

Despite this, XRP has fallen more than 12% over the past month. Analysts note that ETF inflows do not always translate into spot market pressure, especially when liquidity is fragmented or offset by broader risk-off sentiment across crypto assets.

Technical Pressure and Broader Market Headwinds

From a technical standpoint, XRP remains under pressure. The price has retraced to key Fibonacci levels after falling from its yearly high near $3.65.

Chart patterns such as a developing death cross and a double-top formation point to downside risk, with support levels around $1.63 and $1.50 in focus if selling continues. Traders describe the current phase as bearish consolidation, with strong resistance clustered between $2.00 and $2.20.

These conditions mirror weakness across the wider crypto market. Bitcoin’s decline from earlier highs and drawdowns in major altcoins have reduced risk appetite, often pulling XRP lower regardless of asset-specific news.

Market structure may also be playing a role. Analysts point to low trading volumes and heavy arbitrage activity as factors keeping XRP pinned near psychological levels.

In thin markets, automated strategies tend to fade moves quickly, preventing follow-through. While some data suggests tokens are gradually moving off exchanges, signaling longer-term holding, short-term price discovery remains dominated by macro flows and Bitcoin-led volatility.

Related Reading: Dogecoin (DOGE) Slides Deeper Into Red—Is a Bottom in Sight?

Currently, XRP’s lack of movement reflects market mechanics more than a judgment on progress within its ecosystem. Until volume and liquidity shift decisively, headlines alone may not be enough to move the price.

Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview

Ethereum (ETH) has entered another period of tight price compression, a phase that has left traders split between expectations of a renewed rally and concerns about a deeper correction.

As of December 15, the Ethereum price trades near the $3,100 level, drifting sideways after several failed attempts to reclaim higher resistance zones. The narrowing range reflects hesitation across the market, with declining volumes, mixed technical signals, and contrasting institutional activity.

Despite modest intraday fluctuations, Ethereum’s broader structure shows a market waiting for direction. Trading activity has slowed compared to earlier in the year, suggesting reduced speculative participation rather than heavy distribution.

The Ethereum Price Key Levels Define the Short-Term Outlook

Support near the $3,020–$3,000 zone remains critical. This area has been tested multiple times and continues to act as a floor for price action.

A sustained break below it would likely expose the Ethereum price to a deeper pullback, with some analysts pointing to demand zones closer to $2,900 or even the $2,600–$2,500 range if downside momentum accelerates.

On the upside, resistance between $3,150 and $3,400 continues to cap recovery attempts. Ethereum remains below major moving averages and a descending trendline that has guided price action since November.

Analysts note that a daily close above this resistance band, supported by rising volume, would be required to shift the current corrective bias and signal a trend change.

Diverging Technical Signals Add to Uncertainty

Technical interpretations remain mixed. Elliott Wave analysts argue Ethereum may be approaching a potential Wave 3 phase, which historically has coincided with strong upward moves.

However, others highlight the lack of demand strength and repeated rejections near resistance as signs that upside moves remain corrective rather than impulsive.

On-chain data adds another layer of complexity. Liquidation heatmaps reveal dense clusters above current prices, particularly in the $3,400–$3,700 range, suggesting a potential magnet for price if momentum builds.

At the same time, thinner liquidity below current levels implies that a downside sweep could occur before any sustained rally develops.

While the Ethereum price action remains compressed, institutional involvement continues to grow. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs recorded roughly $209 million in net inflows during the past week, led by BlackRock’s ETHA.

Separately, BitMine Immersion Technologies has continued accumulating Ether, now holding a sizable share of the circulating supply as part of a long-term treasury strategy.

This contrast between steady institutional accumulation and cautious market pricing underscores the current stalemate. For now, Ethereum remains caught between strong long-term narratives and unresolved short-term technical pressure, with a clear breakout or breakdown likely to determine sentiment in the weeks ahead.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview

Solana (SOL) is gradually entering a new phase of institutional visibility as recent developments in tokenized finance and cross-chain asset integration draw increasing attention to the network.

Related Reading: What’s Happening With The Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Dogecoin Prices Recently?

From a high-profile commercial paper issuance to plans for bringing XRP onto Solana, the blockchain is positioning itself at the center of experiments that could reshape how digital assets interact with traditional markets.

Institutional Activity Accelerates With New Tokenized Bond Deal

J.P. Morgan’s arrangement of a $50 million tokenized commercial paper issuance for Galaxy Digital marks one of the clearest signals yet that major financial institutions are warming to public blockchain infrastructure.

The short-term debt instrument was issued on Solana, with Coinbase and Franklin Templeton purchasing the tokenized asset, and settlement conducted in USDC.

The bank created the on-chain token representing the bond and handled primary settlement, positioning the project as a practical test of how public networks could support regulated financial transactions.

The move shows Solana’s growing role in real-world asset tokenization, a sector projected by industry analysts to reach trillions of dollars over the next decade.

For Solana, the deal is also a strategic validation. While the chain is widely known for retail and developer activity, institutional adoption has historically been slower to materialize. Seeing a large financial institution test a foundational market instrument on Solana offers a clearer path to deeper enterprise use cases.

Solana – XRP Integration Signals Cross-Chain Expansion

Alongside the bond issuance, Solana is preparing for the arrival of XRP through a partnership with Hex Trust and LayerZero, which will issue wrapped XRP (wXRP) on the network.

The integration aims to extend XRP’s liquidity and utility into Solana’s fast-moving DeFi environment, enabling lending, liquidity provision, and other decentralized applications.

Hex Trust confirmed that wXRP will be fully backed 1:1 with native XRP held in segregated custody accounts, supported by more than $100 million in initial liquidity. The addition may also influence XRP’s market structure, as wrapped supply requires native XRP to be locked, potentially tightening liquidity during high-demand periods.

For Solana, the asset brings an established user base and deeper liquidity pools. For XRP, the move broadens its utility across high-performance decentralized markets that prioritize low-cost transactions and throughput.

These developments come as industry figures, such as Anthony Scaramucci, publicly reiterate their bullish outlook on Solana, arguing that the network’s growth trajectory could surpass Ethereum’s in market capitalization.

While the claim remains speculative, the combination of institutional pilots, cross-chain integrations, and expanding developer activity suggests Solana is strengthening its position as a platform for both consumer and enterprise-grade applications.

Related Reading: Do Kwon Falls Hard — Terraform Labs Chief Gets 15 Years For Wire Fraud

As more financial instruments move on-chain and cross-chain interoperability gains traction, Solana’s latest milestones point to a network increasingly aligned with where digital markets may be heading next.

Cover image from ChatGPT, SOLUSD chart from Tradingview

Cardano is about to end the week with a complex mix of technical pressure, token fallout, and shifting sentiment, as ADA struggles to break beyond its familiar resistance zone.

The market is attempting to digest a sharp correction triggered by wider macro moves, while internal ecosystem developments offer little support. For now, ADA’s direction continues to depend on how well it can hold established support, particularly as market mood turns more cautious.

NIGHT Token Crash Adds Pressure to ADA’s Decline

ADA’s 2% drop to around $0.42 arrived just as the broader market reacted to the recent Federal Reserve rate cut. The decline pushed Cardano below the $0.45 level, a zone it has struggled to reclaim, placing renewed focus on its next support levels.

A major driver of the negative sentiment was the steep decline of Midnight Network’s NIGHT token, which fell roughly 90% from an early surge to $1.50 before settling near $0.05. The sell-off was largely driven by airdrop recipients offloading their allocations immediately after launch.

Despite earlier expectations around Midnight’s debut, the rapid reversal highlighted the speculative nature of the event. Market data also shows that 54% of active positions are leaning short, signaling that traders expect further downside.

Key Support Levels Hold, but Momentum Remains Weak

Cardano’s ADA is now trading near the lower edge of its established range, testing support between $0.42 and $0.43.

Analysts note that this area aligns with a broader weekly support cluster that stretches toward the $0.38–$0.39 region. Technical readings reinforce a cautious outlook, the MACD continues to trend bearish, while the RSI sits near 40, approaching oversold territory.

Traders are watching to see if ADA can stabilize above $0.42. A breakdown could expose the next lower supports, while a reclaim of the $0.45 zone would be required to shift momentum toward $0.48–$0.50.

Despite a recent $750 million inflow to Binance, the market absorbed the volume with limited price reaction, suggesting demand remains modest.

Social sentiment across major crypto forums has turned noticeably cautious. Conversations remain active, but the tone reflects trader fatigue as ADA continues to struggle against the same resistance.

With no new updates from core Cardano development efforts, including Hydra scaling, Mithril upgrades, or governance milestones, market participants have shifted their focus to external forces, such as BTC’s price direction and overall risk appetite.

ADA trades around $0.41–$0.42 at the time of writing, holding its range but without clear signs of a breakout. Until a fresh catalyst emerges, Cardano is likely to remain in a consolidation phase, with sentiment triggered more by broader market trends than internal progress.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ADAUSD chart from Tradingview

Zcash’s latest price movement has pushed the privacy-focused cryptocurrency back into the spotlight, as momentum builds around a potential breakout from a long-standing resistance zone.

After a sharp climb this week, traders are watching whether ZEC can extend its gains or whether technical pressures will stall the advance.

The token surged more than 9% to reach around $455, standing out in a broader market that has mostly moved sideways despite renewed optimism following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest policy signals.

Rising demand, shifting fee structures, and notable whale activity have all contributed to ZEC’s strong performance, but the technical picture remains mixed as the asset approaches a critical threshold.

Dynamic Fee Proposal and Whale Demand Lift ZEC

Zcash’s rally coincides with a key development effort from its contributors. Developers and Shielded Labs proposed transitioning from fixed transaction fees to a dynamic fee market, a change aimed at improving cost efficiency during periods of high activity.

Market activity also intensified. Trading volumes rose sharply, and Cypherpunk Technologies expanded its ZEC holdings while adding Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox as an advisor.

On-chain data indicated accumulation from large holders, including a wallet that increased its position and sent tokens to Hyperliquid to establish a long exposure. Such behavior has tightened the circulating supply at a moment when ZEC is testing historical resistance.

Zcash’s broader performance this year further adds to the current market narrative. The token has posted returns exceeding 600% over the past 12 months, helped by rising investor interest in privacy assets and a constrained supply profile.

ZEC Tests Multi-Touch Resistance as Bulls Aim for Continuation

Despite the strong surge, Zcash now sits near a resistance zone, roughly between $460 and $485, that has repeatedly halted rallies in previous cycles.

Technical readings show improving momentum on lower timeframes, supported by stable RSI levels and a constructive parabolic SAR structure. Spot inflow data has also flipped positive, suggesting buyers are re-entering rather than exiting on strength.

If ZEC breaks above the $472–$485 range, analysts note potential upside targets at $506, $556, and possibly even $600–$620. Clearing this region would mark a shift from the most recent lower-high pattern and could accelerate trend continuation.

However, some longer-term indicators raise caution. Wave analysis from multiple chart views suggests ZEC may have completed a major corrective structure earlier in the cycle, followed by a 60% decline and a weaker recovery.

Bearish divergences in momentum tools and a rising parallel channel on shorter timeframes hint that the current bounce could still be corrective.

A rejection at the resistance level may lead to a retracement toward $430, followed by the $370–$398 zone. A deeper breakdown could push prices below $300 if bearish structures reassert themselves.

For now, Zcash’s price action sits at a pivotal moment. A decisive move above resistance could extend the recent surge, but failure to break through may shift momentum back toward consolidation, or even a broader downtrend.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ZECUSD chart from Tradingview

Bitcoin (BTC) is once again moving within a narrow band, with price swings contained despite shifting macro signals and fresh debate over whether the cryptocurrency’s long-observed four-year cycle still applies.

Related Reading: Upcoming Crypto Market Structure Bill Markup Likely Pushed To Post-Holiday

As traders react to mixed Federal Reserve messaging, institutional flows, and rising caution across risk markets, analysts remain split on whether Bitcoin’s latest consolidation represents stability, or a deeper shift in how the asset behaves.

Analysts Question Whether the Cycle Has Ended

A growing number of major firms now argue that Bitcoin may be moving beyond its historic halving-driven rhythm. Investment firm Bernstein said in a recent note that the asset is in an “elongated bull cycle,” pointing to minimal ETF outflows despite a nearly 30% correction.

The firm has raised its 2026 price target to $150,000, projecting a potential cycle peak of $200,000 in 2027 and maintaining a $1 million long-term estimate for 2033.

ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood echoed this view, saying that institutional adoption is reducing the likelihood of the steep 75–90% drawdowns seen in previous cycles. Grayscale has also suggested Bitcoin could break the four-year pattern, forecasting renewed strength in 2026.

Bitcoin is currently trading near $90,000–$93,000 depending on the venue, with recent intraday swings highlighting a lack of strong directional conviction.

Fed Signals Keep Markets Cautious

The Federal Reserve’s 25 bps rate cut initially lifted risk sentiment, but a shift toward cautious, data-dependent language quickly reversed momentum.

Bitcoin and Ethereum slipped after the announcement, with BTC falling below $90,000 at one point as traders reassessed the macro backdrop. Liquidity remains thin, contributing to choppy movements across major crypto assets.

Analysts note that Bitcoin’s inability to sustain gains, despite the weaker dollar and softer Fed stance, reflects persistent uncertainty. Several commentators say BTC must hold above $90,000 to avoid strengthening bearish pressure, while a break above $94,500 could reopen a path toward $100,000 if inflows improve.

Derivatives and On-Chain Data Flag Rising Bearish Sentiment

Options and on-chain indicators are also signaling caution. Traders have increased bearish option positions, with the put/call ratio turning positive ahead of a significant expiry window. More than $500 million in crypto liquidations occurred within 24 hours, reflecting heightened volatility.

On-chain data shows declining bullish momentum. The Bitcoin Bull Score Index has fallen back to zero, and realized losses suggest further downside could be possible. Analysts warn that despite past buy-the-dip patterns, current readings do not yet reflect the levels typically associated with market bottoms.

Related Reading: Cardano Founder Reacts As NIGHT Token Crashes From $150 To $0.02

As Bitcoin continues to trade in a tight range, the broader debate remains unresolved. Whether the four-year cycle is fading, or simply paused, may depend on how markets digest macro uncertainty, institutional flows, and the next wave of economic data.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTUSD chart from Tradingview

The Federal Reserve’s latest policy move was expected to calm financial markets. Instead, it set off one of the sharpest intraday reversals the crypto sector has seen this quarter.

After delivering a widely anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut, the Fed signaled a slower path ahead, and that shift in tone was enough to send major digital assets back. What looked like a supportive macro backdrop quickly turned into a trigger for risk-off positioning across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader altcoin market.

Mixed Fed Messaging Fuels Market Confusion

The Federal Open Market Committee lowered the federal funds rate to a 3.5%–3.75% range, marking its third cut of the year. But internal disagreement, including two members opposing any cut and one pushing for a larger one, highlighted uncertainty within the Fed itself.

Chair Jerome Powell supported that ambiguity by saying the central bank remains “well-positioned to wait,” a phrase traders interpreted as a possible pause in January.

Economic projections added more caution. Officials expect only one additional cut in 2026, far fewer than markets had priced in. While the Fed also announced $40 billion in monthly Treasury bill purchases, seen by some as “QE-lite”, investors viewed the move more as an attempt to steady liquidity in a slowing economy.

The dollar weakened sharply after Powell ruled out a 2026 rate hike, but expectations for near-term easing also faded. Futures markets quickly shifted, showing a higher probability of no change in January.

Crypto Markets Reverse as Liquidity Concerns Rise

The crypto market reacted within minutes of the Fed’s press conference. Total market capitalization fell roughly 3% over the next 24 hours, with Bitcoin sliding below $90,000 after briefly testing highs near $94,000 earlier in the week.

Ethereum lost more than 3%, and altcoins posted deeper declines as investors moved toward lower-risk exposure.

Rising liquidations added pressure. More than $1 billion in leveraged positions were wiped out in the broader market over a 24-hour period, while Bitcoin dominance climbed to around 58%, reflecting a shift away from speculative assets.

Technical signals also turned bearish, with total crypto market cap slipping below the 200-day EMA and several major tokens failing to reclaim key resistance levels.

Attention now turns to the upcoming PCE inflation report, the Fed’s preferred gauge. A stronger-than-expected reading could delay further easing and intensify volatility across risk assets. For crypto traders, key levels include Bitcoin’s support zone near $89,000 and ETF flow trends, which continue to influence market stability.

The latest Fed decision currently has left markets searching for clearer direction. Until that emerges, crypto appears set to navigate a period of tighter liquidity, cautious sentiment, and elevated sensitivity to macroeconomic signals.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

XRP is going through the week under a renewed wave of speculation as two separate developments, a MoonPay purchase that revived a long-running community meme and the Cboe approval of a new spot ETF, pushed the token back into the spotlight.

Related Reading: More Eurozone Countries Will Buy Bitcoin, Says Coinbase’s Institutional Chief

Together, these events have fueled debate about whether XRP is on the cusp of new institutional momentum or simply caught in another cycle of community-driven enthusiasm.

Community Signals Collide With Market Memes

A routine Apple Pay purchase posted by MoonPay, showing a buy of exactly 589 XRP, triggered renewed excitement across XRP circles. The figure “589” has carried symbolic weight since 2018, when an anonymous user promoted the number as a future price target.

Its reappearance, coming shortly after the Solana Foundation also posted “589” without context, set off widespread speculation about potential hidden messaging or coordinated marketing.

The resurgence of the meme also comes amid new discussions around XRP’s long-term value. Several analysts, including the anonymous educator X Finance Bull, argue that the shift toward tokenized financial markets could significantly increase demand for XRPL-based settlement.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently reinforced the idea that U.S. markets will move fully on-chain within a few years, a statement that many in the XRP community interpreted as validation of XRPL’s positioning in enterprise-grade infrastructure.

Still, XRP’s price action remains under pressure. After a Federal Reserve rate cut accompanied by a hawkish outlook, ETF inflows slowed sharply, and XRP slipped below key moving averages, trading near the critical $2 support zone.

Cboe Clears XRP’s Next ETF, And Institutional Interest Builds

While community narratives dominated social media, regulatory progress offered a more tangible catalyst. The Cboe BZX Exchange approved the listing of the 21Shares XRP ETF (TOXR), moving it closer to launch.

The fund carries a 0.3% fee, uses a multi-custodian security model, and has been seeded with 100 million XRP, roughly $226 million, from Ripple Markets.

The approval comes as XRP-focused ETFs gain traction in the U.S., with at least four funds now active and inflows exceeding $900 million in recent weeks. Analysts note that institutional engagement has grown since regulators formally recognized that secondary-market XRP transactions do not constitute securities trades.

Momentum around the ETF space intensified further after FalconX acquired 21Shares, giving the issuer expanded access to institutional distribution, market-making, and liquidity infrastructure. Market observers say the merger could accelerate capital inflows if TOXR begins trading in the coming days.

Analysts Split on Outlook as XRP Holds Key Levels

Despite the renewed attention, analysts remain divided. EGRAG Crypto maintains a bullish long-term view, citing consolidation patterns reminiscent of XRP’s previous accumulation phases. Others caution that expectations, particularly around community-driven targets, remain far ahead of current fundamentals.

Broader adoption through RippleNet, expanding partnerships, and growing interest in XRP-based products such as ETFs and stablecoins continue to strengthen XRP’s institutional narrative. Still, macro uncertainty, legislative delays in the U.S., and competition in the digital-asset payments space present ongoing challenges.

Related Reading: Forget Bitcoin’s Old Cycle—A New Institutional Era Has Begun: Cathie Wood

As both cultural and regulatory forces converge, XRP finds itself influenced by two very different engines, market infrastructure gradually opening new pathways for institutional capital, and a community whose symbolic narratives continue to shape sentiment.

Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview

The Dogecoin price has entered another period of volatility as traders attempt to weigh improving technical signals against renewed short-term weakness. The memecoin has been shifting between modest recoveries and sudden pullbacks, creating a landscape where both bullish and bearish narratives remain active.

With macro uncertainty, DOGE ETF inflows, exchange outflows, and key chart patterns emerging at the same time, the market is now deciding which direction will dominate heading into late December.

Mixed Trading Conditions Shape Short-Term Direction for Dogecoin

The Dogecoin price slipped back below the $0.145 region after failing to hold above $0.150 earlier in the week. The latest dip saw price break below an hourly trend line, touching lows near $0.131 before stabilizing. DOGE now trades below $0.140 on lower timeframes, with immediate resistance forming around $0.142 and $0.145.

Yet the broader view remains less gloomy. The weekly chart shows a developing MACD bullish crossover, complemented by rising histogram bars. Historically, this signal has marked early phases of momentum recovery.

The Dogecoin price continues to defend the long-standing $0.13–$0.15 support band, a range that has held for nearly two years. Repeated rebounds from the $0.135 zone highlight ongoing buyer activity despite intraday volatility.

Traders are also watching the upper boundary of the recent range at $0.155–$0.156. A close above this area would signal a break from the consolidation pattern that has persisted since late November.

ETF Volume and Exchange Outflows Show Accumulation

While the spot price fluctuates, underlying market activity points to steady participation. The Dogecoin ETF has recorded $3.23 million in daily trading volume, adding a layer of institutional-style flows that did not exist in previous cycles.

Similarly, exchange data shows between $20 million and $60 million in recent outflows, suggesting large holders continue moving tokens off trading platforms.

This combination, ETF demand and declining exchange balances, implies accumulation, particularly during price weakness. With fewer tokens available for immediate sale, selling pressure could ease if these trends continue.

Dogecoin’s trading volume has surged more than 60% at times this week, reflecting renewed interest ahead of broader market catalysts, including the Fed Reserve’s policy decision. DOGE now trades in a tightening range between $0.131 – $0.156, with analysts noting that prolonged compression often precedes larger moves.

Technical targets remain unchanged: $0.18–$0.20 as the first major resistance, followed by $0.21 and $0.27. A move toward the broader $0.30 barrier would require a break above short-term resistance and confirmation that buyers can sustain momentum.

The Dogecoin price sits at the center of contrasting signals, accumulation on the one hand and near-term weakness on the other, leaving the market to determine which will take priority as volatility returns.

Cover image from ChatGPT, DOGEUSD chart from Tradingview

Ethereum (ETH) is under a pivotal week as traders weigh a mix of macroeconomic expectations, institutional developments, and strengthening technical signals.

Related Reading: Midnight Goes Live As Cardano Founder Targets A $10 Billion Ecosystem

With the Federal Reserve set to deliver its next rate decision, market participants are watching how Ethereum’s recent momentum interacts with a broader risk-on environment.

The second largest cap cryptocurrency has already staged a notable rebound, breaking key resistance levels and drawing renewed interest from both retail and institutional investors.

Fed Expectations Drive Ethereum Position Repricing

Ethereum surged past $3,300 and briefly approached $3,400 after recording a 6% jump over the past 24 hours.

The rally comes as traders price in a high probability, close to 90%, that the Federal Reserve will announce a 25-basis-point rate cut. Lower interest rates tend to improve liquidity conditions, a factor that has historically supported digital assets.

Bitcoin’s recovery above $94,000 added further confidence to the market, though Ethereum outperformed on a relative basis. The ETH/BTC ratio reached its strongest point since late October, indicating a shift of capital from Bitcoin to Ethereum.

Spot Ethereum ETFs also saw $177.7 million in inflows on December 9, surpassing Bitcoin’s inflows on the same day.

Institutional Moves Add to Bullish Sentiment

One major catalyst behind this shift has been BlackRock’s filing for the iShares Ethereum Staking Trust ETF. The fund would offer exposure not only to ETH’s price but also to staking rewards, expanding access to yield-bearing strategies.

Analysts note that such products could increase liquidity inflows into Ethereum, especially as institutional portfolios diversify beyond Bitcoin. This filing arrives at a time when the amount of ETH held on centralized exchanges has fallen to its lowest level since 2015, roughly 8.7% of the total supply.

Large buyers, including Bitmine Immersion, have accumulated billions of dollars’ worth of ETH in recent months. Combined, these developments indicate a tightening of supply conditions.

Technical Breakouts Reinforce the Trend

Chart analysts highlight that Ethereum has broken above a downward trendline that previously capped rallies for nearly two months.

Momentum indicators, including MACD and RSI, show increasing buyer strength despite approaching overbought territory. Ethereum’s break above the $3,300 zone has shifted focus toward the next resistance level at $3,500, with wave-pattern analysis suggesting potential upside toward $3,600.

Related Reading: Bitwise Rolls Out New ETF For Broad Crypto Exposure, Including BTC, XRP, And ADA

Analysts such as Captain Faibik argue that a confirmed breakout could support a rally of up to 30%, targeting the $4,200–$4,300 region if bullish conditions persist. However, the Fed’s upcoming decision remains a key variable in determining whether momentum continues or cools.

Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview