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Bitcoin Cash (BCH) price forecast as BTC dips under $87k

  • Bitcoin Cash price has dipped below $550 as Bitcoin sees a sharp decline to under $87,000.
  • The altcoin’s value could shrink to under $500 if BTC plummets further.
  • Macroeconomic headwinds continue to hinder bulls.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) traded near the pivotal $560 support level amid broader market uncertainties, with Bitcoin’s dip to under $87,000 further spooking crypto investors.

As the cryptocurrency landscape keeps fluctuating, it appears BCH bulls could be in more trouble.

The altcoin’s price stood at $546 as of writing, down 4% in the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin Cash dips 4% as Bitcoin slips under $87,000

Bitcoin Cash price was down $4% as a turbulent December continued to torment bulls.

Amid a wider market weakness, the BCH price dipped below $550 to signal fresh turmoil.

That’s because after surging to highs of $600, the altcoin has encountered increased profit-taking. Pressure has mounted amid Bitcoin’s struggles.

On December 14, the Bitcoin Cash price dipped to $556. Bears went on to test the 550 mark, and prices have since dipped to near $540.

The downturn mirrored Bitcoin’s sharp dip from above $90,000 in early trading on Monday to around $86,700 at the time of writing.

Ethereum price also plunged to the $3,000 support level, with BitMine announcing a fresh ETH buy.

Why are cryptocurrencies down today?

Market participants attribute the downturn to macroeconomic headwinds, including lingering inflation concerns.

Last week, the bellwether digital asset failed to rally as the US Federal Reserve announced a rate cut.

Now, BTC’s sharp decline comes as the Bank of Japan is set for a rate hike.

Historically, Bitcoin price has tanked on BOJ rate hikes, and analysts see the upcoming move as bearish for crypto.

This week is also lined with key economic data releases.

Overall risk-off sentiment saw over $50 million in Bitcoin longs liquidated.

That happened within an hour as BTC fell 3% following the Wall Street open. Crypto analyst Lark Davis shared this via X.

Bitcoin is down roughly 3% since the US market open.

$50 billion wiped out from $BTC market cap

$200 million worth of longs liquidated in the past 60 minutes. pic.twitter.com/DJT3zvARyW

— Lark Davis (@TheCryptoLark) December 15, 2025

BCH price technical outlook

Technical indicators paint a largely short-term bearish picture.

On the daily chart, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 47 after flipping downward from 56.

This downward flip in RSI, coupled with increasing bearish momentum, hints at further price declines.

Meanwhile, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence also shows a bearish crossover, indicating a potential short-term price pressure.

Bitcoin Cash Price
Bitcoin Cash price chart by TradingView

BCH could thus drop to $500, and if these indicators align with a broader market sell-off, as is the case today, it could allow sellers to push for $450 and $380 next.

However, an uptick with RSI gaining steam and MACD seeing an inflexion could allow for a retest of $600.

The post Bitcoin Cash (BCH) price forecast as BTC dips under $87k appeared first on CoinJournal.

Ethereum price outlook: can bulls hold $3,000 as BitMine buys more ETH?

  • Ethereum price fell to lows of $3,034 as Bitcoin slumped below $88,000.
  • The ETH price holding above $3,000 came as BitMine announced the purchase of 102,259 ETH last week.
  • Bulls could ride the corporate sentiment to bounce higher.

Ethereum (ETH) price showed broader weakness as it fell to the $3,000 level on Monday, with this coming amid further corporate accumulation.

As Bitcoin’s dip below $88k reflects broader market weakness, the key question is whether Ethereum bulls can ride the confidence in the top altcoin’s long-term potential.

BitMine Immersion Technologies’ huge purchases of ETH point to this outlook.

BitMine buys another 102,259 ETH

BitMine Immersion Technologies has further expanded its dominant Ethereum position.

On December 15, 2025, the publicly-traded company announced the acquisition of an additional 102,259 ETH over the past week.

This purchase brings the company’s total holdings to 3,967,210 ETH, valued at approximately $12.2 billion at current prices.

Notably, the latest addition continues a pattern of consistent accumulation during periods of price stabilization.

Previously, on December 8, BitMine reported holdings exceeding 3.86 million ETH, implying the prior week’s purchase of around 138,452 tokens.

Earlier, in the week leading to December 1, the company added 96,798 ETH, pushing holdings to 3.73 million at that time.

The MicroStrategy of Ethereum

BitMine’s approach draws clear parallels to the pioneering Bitcoin treasury model popularised by Michael Saylor at Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy).

Strategy has acquired 10,645 BTC for ~$980.3 million at ~$92,098 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 24.9% YTD 2025. As of 12/14/2025, we hodl 671,268 $BTC acquired for ~$50.33 billion at ~$74,972 per bitcoin. $MSTR $STRC $STRK $STRF $STRD $STRE https://t.co/VdAz7pqce1

— Michael Saylor (@saylor) December 15, 2025

Like Strategy for BTC, Bitmine has amassed the world’s largest corporate Ethereum holdings.

BitMine’s total crypto, cash, and investment holdings now stand at $13.3 billion.

It includes $1 billion in unencumbered cash, a small Bitcoin position of 193 BTC, and a $38 million stake in Eightco Holdings.

The company operates mining facilities in low-cost energy regions such as Texas and Trinidad.

However, it has pivoted strongly toward long-term ETH accumulation, with this funded through capital raises and operational efficiency.

Thomas “Tom” Lee of Fundstrat, Chairman of BitMine, said:

2025 saw many positive developments in digital assets, including positive legislation passed by the US Congress and favorable regulations, and strengthened support from Wall Street. These strengthen our conviction that the best days for crypto are ahead and why we continue to accumulate ETH towards our ‘alchemy of 5%’ target.

Can ETH bulls hold $3,000 level?

BitMine’s strategic buys have been executed amid Ethereum’s price resilience, with robust support established near the $3,000 psychological level.

In the past 24 hours, the ETH price has hovered in the $3,175 and $3,034 range.

If prices dip below the $3k mark, ETH is likely to retest the $2,720 lows seen on Dec.1.

Analysts however note that ETH has shown resilience and a decent bounce above $3,100 could pave the way for a retest of higher resistance around $3,500. Network enhancements, easing monetary policy and corporate buys are likely bullish catalysts.

However, just like $90k is now a key resistance level for Bitcoin, the $3,200-$3,300 is key to ETH.

The post Ethereum price outlook: can bulls hold $3,000 as BitMine buys more ETH? appeared first on CoinJournal.

Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin to Ethereum Layer 2 networks

  • The firm has started testing RLUSD on leading Ethereum L2 platforms.
  • The launch reflects the growing demand for regulated stablecoins.
  • RLUSD will go live on L2s after authorization by New York regulators.

The cryptocurrency industry is gradually moving toward a world where no single platform dominates.

Rather than being locked in one blockchain, users, institutions, and developers want cross-chain transfers based on demand and opportunities.

Meanwhile, stablecoins remain at the center of this transaction as they have proven to be the entry point for new players navigating the on-chain economy.

Ripple seems to acknowledge this reality.

According to today’s, December 15, announcement, the blockchain company confirmed it has started testing stablecoin RLUSD on multiple Ethereum L2 platforms.

The experiment marks a crucial move towards the asset’s public debut, scheduled for 2026 after regulatory approval.

Meanwhile, the current testing phase will occur across Base, Unichain, and Ink, leveraging Wormholde’s interoperable infrastructure for streamlined movement between different networks.

Commenting on the latest move, Ripple’s Stablecoin SVP Jack McDonald acknowledged stablecoins as the gateway to decentralized finance and institutional adoption.

He added:

 RLUSD is designed from the ground up to be the trusted, liquid medium necessary for users to seamlessly enter, interact with, and exit the entire digital asset economy. By launching RLUSD, the first US Trust Regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks, we are not just expanding utility; we are setting the definitive standard where compliance and on-chain efficiency converge.

Why do L2 platforms matter?

Layer 2 networks have proven to be some of the busiest avenues in the cryptocurrency sector.

These blockchains are faster, cheaper, and more practical for day-to-day usage than the primary Ethereum network, which faces challenges like congestion and costly transactions.

Therefore, L2s have emerged as the perfect homes for decentralized applications, on-chain services, and digital payments.

By launching RLUSD into these platforms, Ripple is tapping into the potential where real user activity is happening.

Notably, Optimism will serve as the initial entry, with access linked to platforms like Unichain, Ink, and Base.

Such an approach allows Ripple’s stablecoin to grow alongside solid user activity.

Meanwhile, Ripple is working with Wormhole and its NTT (Native Token Transfers) standard.

With this setup, RLUSD can move between different chains while remaining a consistent, single token.

Ripple controls the stablecoin’s issuance, whereas users enjoy flexibility across multiple platforms.

The announcement added:

Leveraging Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard allows Ripple to maintain native issuance and control of RLUSD while providing the security and flexibility of on-chain liquidity movement across these new ecosystems.

Strengthening XRP’s ecosystem

RLUSD’s strategic expansion also bolsters the overall XRP ecosystem.

Stablecoins are crucial in trading, digital payments, and liquidity, and Ripple is pushing its stablecoin where demand already exists.

XRP is hovering at $1.93 after dropping 3% the past 24 hours.

Its performance reflects the overall market sentiments.

The cryptocurrency market remains deteriorated, as Bitcoin struggles below $90K, now trading at $87.7K.

The post Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin to Ethereum Layer 2 networks appeared first on CoinJournal.

JPMorgan expands blockchain push with tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum

  • The fund is seeded with $100 million and requires a minimum investment of $1 million.
  • Tokenized money-market funds offer faster settlement, continuous trading, and onchain ownership visibility.
  • The tokenized money-market sector has grown to $9 billion in assets over the past year.

JPMorgan Chase is preparing to deepen its push into blockchain-based finance through a tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on Monday.

The bank has not formally announced the product, but the report suggests JPMorgan is moving closer to offering onchain versions of traditional cash-management tools as institutional interest in tokenization grows.

The reported initiative comes as large investors look for ways to deploy idle cash more efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.

With about $4 trillion in assets under management, JPMorgan’s reported plans highlight how tokenization is evolving from experimental pilots into investment products associated with major global balance sheets.

The proposed fund would enter a fast-growing segment of digital finance where money-market products are increasingly viewed as a bridge between traditional markets and blockchain infrastructure.

Tokenized money-market fund rollout

The fund, known as My OnChain Net Yield Fund, or MONY, has been seeded with $100 million from JPMorgan’s asset management division, the Wall Street Journal stated.

The product is expected to open to external, qualified investors this week, although no official confirmation has been issued by the bank.

The minimum investment is set at $1 million, keeping the fund focused on institutional participation rather than retail investors.

MONY is designed to operate in line with conventional money-market funds, holding short-term debt instruments and paying interest on a daily basis.

Investors would be able to redeem their shares either in cash or through Circle’s USDC stablecoin, reflecting the growing use of regulated stablecoins in institutional settlement and liquidity management.

Why Ethereum and tokenization matter

JPMorgan has built the reported fund on Kinexys Digital Assets, its in-house tokenization platform, with Ethereum selected as the underlying blockchain, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Tokenized funds record ownership onchain, allowing faster settlement, real-time visibility, and continuous trading beyond standard market hours.

These features are attracting attention from asset managers, trading firms, and treasury desks seeking operational efficiency while continuing to rely on low-risk instruments.

Tokenized money-market funds are also increasingly used within decentralised finance ecosystems as reserve assets and as collateral for trading and asset management.

Competition among financial giants

JPMorgan’s reported plans place it alongside other large financial institutions that have already launched tokenized money-market products.

Franklin Templeton introduced its BENJI fund in 2021, becoming one of the earliest traditional asset managers to adopt blockchain-based fund infrastructure.

BlackRock followed in 2024 with its BUIDL fund, developed with tokenization specialist Securitize, which has since attracted about $2 billion in assets, according to data from RWA.xyz.

The post JPMorgan expands blockchain push with tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum appeared first on CoinJournal.

MEXC December Proof of Reserve confirms major assets fully backed, BTC coverage at 141%

By: PR Desk

  • MEXC released its December Proof of Reserve (PoR) report.
  • Reserve ratios for December reached 141% for BTC, 126% for USDT, 127% for USDC, and 107% for ETH.
  • MEXC launched its Proof of Reserve system in February 2023.

MEXC, the world’s fastest-growing digital asset exchange and a pioneer of true zero-fee trading, released its December Proof of Reserve (PoR) report, confirming that all audited assets remained above 100% reserve coverage.

Reserve ratios for December reached 141% for BTC, 126% for USDT, 127% for USDC, and 107% for ETH. MEXC holds 5,401.59 BTC, 2.32 billion USDT, 126.5 million USDC, and 57,457.10 ETH in reserves.

mexc

MEXC launched its Proof of Reserve system in February 2023, utilising a Merkle Tree that allows users to independently verify their balances while protecting account privacy.

To further strengthen transparency, MEXC has expanded its cooperation with Hacken, an independent blockchain security and compliance firm, which now conducts and independently publishes monthly PoR audits.

“Ensuring full reserves and maintaining transparency are core commitments at MEXC,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of MEXC.

“Through monthly independent Proof of Reserve audits conducted in partnership with Hacken, users can confidently verify that their assets remain fully supported. We will continue to uphold these practices as a cornerstone of MEXC’s commitment to transparency and asset security.”

The December 2025 Proof of Reserve report, including the independent audit by Hacken, is now available on MEXC’s Proof of Reserves page for users to view and verify.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees.

Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website X TelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR team: media@mexc.com

Source

The post MEXC December Proof of Reserve confirms major assets fully backed, BTC coverage at 141% appeared first on CoinJournal.

Ripple price forecast: XRP retests the $1.96 support

Key takeaways

  • XRP is down 1% in the last 24 hours and is trading at $1.99.
  • Failure to defend the $1.96 support could see XRP dip lower.

XRP drops below $2

The cryptocurrency market has underperformed over the past few days, with Bitcoin and other major coins currently in the red. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market cap, has dropped below $90k and could retest lower levels if the bearish trend continues.

XRP, the native coin of the Ripple blockchain, is also in the red zone, after losing 1% of its value in the last 24 hours. The bearish performance means that XRP was unable to defend the $2.0 psychological level, as it is now trading at $1.99.

The bulls will now be forced to defend the $1.96 suppport level as failure to do so could see XRP record massive losses over the next few days. Currently, the market is still consolidating, with no clear direction in sight. 

XRP could extend its decline if bulls fail to defend the $1.96 support

The XRP/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and inefficient, with the inefficiency caused by the October 11 deleveraging event. Since then, XRP has failed to rally to the $2.7 level to gain efficiency. 

The cryptocurrency lost 3.22% of its value last week, making it the second consecutive week of losses. At press time, XRP hovers around $1.99.

XRP/USD 4H Chart

If XRP fails to recover and closes the daily candle below the $1.96 support, it could extend the decline toward the next daily support at $1.77.

The RSI on the 4-hour chart is 41, below its neutral level of 50, indicating that bearish momentum is gaining traction. The MACD lines are also converging, adding more confluence to the consolidating market condition. 

On the flip side, if XRP stays above the $1.96 daily support, it could extend the rally toward the next daily resistance at $2.35.

The post Ripple price forecast: XRP retests the $1.96 support appeared first on CoinJournal.

Nasdaq tokenized shares face key SEC regulatory test

  • Nasdaq plans to place tokenized and traditional securities on the same order book.
  • Settlement would still run through DTCC systems despite blockchain integration.
  • Industry responses are split as regulators assess legal and operational risks.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has begun a formal review that could determine whether tokenized shares are allowed to trade on Nasdaq, placing blockchain-based securities under close regulatory examination.

By seeking public feedback on Nasdaq’s proposed rule change, the SEC is assessing how digital representations of stocks might fit within existing market structures.

The move reflects growing interest in tokenization across financial markets, while underscoring regulators’ focus on legal certainty, settlement integrity, and investor protection.

Any decision is likely to influence how quickly blockchain technology is adopted within mainstream equity trading.

According to the SEC filing, Nasdaq has asked for approval to list and trade securities in tokenized form.

This step has triggered a broader consultation process covering regulatory, technical, and policy considerations.

The review will determine whether tokenized shares can operate alongside traditional equities without altering core market safeguards.

Regulatory review begins

Under Nasdaq’s proposal, tokenized stocks and exchange-traded products would trade in parallel with conventional shares.

Both formats would appear on the same order book and carry the same shareholder rights.

Clearing and settlement would continue through the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, while blockchain technology would be used to improve operational efficiency.

The SEC’s request for feedback signals that no approval is guaranteed.

Instead, regulators are evaluating whether tokenized securities can deliver faster and cheaper settlement without creating new risks.

The consultation marks the start of a deeper assessment rather than a final decision.

How tokenized shares would trade

If approved, Nasdaq’s framework would allow blockchain-based shares to trade just like regular stocks.

Investors would not need separate systems or accounts, as tokenized and traditional securities would coexist within the same trading environment.

Settlement would still rely on DTCC systems, ensuring continuity with current market processes.

Experts argue that this structure preserves investor protections while allowing blockchain to reduce settlement times and operational costs.

The SEC’s review will assess whether these efficiency gains outweigh potential complexities introduced by tokenized record-keeping.

Industry views divided

Market reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Industry groups have voiced support, pointing to the potential for tokenization to enhance market efficiency and modernise post-trade processes.

Regulatory developments elsewhere also suggest increasing openness.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved a pilot programme allowing tokenized assets to be used as collateral, indicating broader acceptance of blockchain-based financial instruments.

However, opposition has emerged from firms including Ondo Finance and Cboe Global Markets.

These companies argue that the SEC should delay approval until the DTCC provides clearer guidance on how tokenized trades would be settled.

Their concern centres on the fact that all such transactions would still depend on DTCC infrastructure, making settlement clarity critical.

The post Nasdaq tokenized shares face key SEC regulatory test appeared first on CoinJournal.

Will Bitcoin overcome the $90k resistance? Check forecast

Key takeaways

  • BTC is trading at $89k after losing less than 1% of its value in the last 24 hours.
  • The leading cryptocurrency could top the $90k resistance level in the near term.

BTC trades below $90k

The cryptocurrency market has opened the new weekly candle bearish, with Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies currently in the red. Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) are currently trading around key levels after correcting slightly over the past few days. 

The three leading cryptocurrencies by market cap could record further losses in the near term as bearish momentum builds across key indicators.

At the moment, traders and investors are closely monitoring critical support zones for signs of stabilization or a deeper corrective move.

Traders are keeping an eye on upcoming macroeconomic events in the global financial markets. In the U.S, the events include the unemployment rate, ADP employment data, and weekly jobless claims, alongside November inflation data, and December flash PMI readings.

Furthermore, the speeches from Federal Reserve Governors Stephen Miran and Christopher J. Waller could give investors clues on the path of interest rates.

The Bank of Japan is also expected to raise interest rates to 0.75% at its upcoming policy meeting on Thursday. 

Bitcoin could face further correction

The BTC/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as Bitcoin has underperformed in recent days. The cryptocurrency faced rejection from the descending trendline last week, failing to overcome the $94k resistance level. As of Monday, BTC hovers around $89,000.

BTC/USD 4H Chart

If the bearish trend continues, Bitcoin could sink lower towards the next key support level at $85,569. However, this support level remains strong at the moment. 

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is at 42, below its neutral level of 50, indicating bearish momentum is gaining traction. Furthermore, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) lines are converging, and a flip to a bearish crossover could add additional confluence for the bears. 

If the bulls regain control and Bitcoin breaks above the $94k resistance level, it could extend its rally toward the $100,000 psychological level.

The post Will Bitcoin overcome the $90k resistance? Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

Uniswap price outlook as Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin offloads UNI tokens

  • Ethereum co-founder has sold 1,400 UNI coins, alongside KNC and DINU tokens, for 16,796 USDC.
  • The transaction comes as bears dominate the broader market.
  • UNI bulls should hold prices above $5 to support short-term recoveries.

Cryptocurrencies display bearishness as Bitcoin wavers below $90,000, currently trading at $89,800.

Amidst the pessimistic sentiments, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin sparked the altcoin community by reducing his crypto holdings, including 1,400 UNI coins (according to Arkham data).

Alongside Uniswap, Buterin has also dumped 10,000 KNC and 40 trillion DINU tokens, netting 16,796 USDC.

While the transaction might seem modest in dollar amount, any transfer from a top figure like Buterin often gains traction due to its psychological impact on investors and the community.

Is this a routine portfolio adjustment or a lack of conviction in UNI’s short-term performance?

Generally, transactions from leading crypto influencers create notable temporary volatility, prompting quick actions from traders.

Broad market context: bears dominate

Vitalik has reduced exposure to Uniswap as the overall market remains deteriorated.

Cryptocurrencies have been under immense selling pressure lately, with bullish news sparking short-lived gains, only to be followed by significant dips.

Faded liquidity has limited price rallies even after key updates like rate cuts.

Uniswap, as a leading DeFi token, tends to mirror broader sentiments, and high-profile dumps can catalyse significant short-term price fluctuations.

Thus, attention has shifted to native UNI’s performance, and of course, what to expect in the near term.

UNI price outlook

Vitalik Buterin’s selloff coincides with UNI price underperformance.

UNI wavers at $5.40 after a slight 0.87% decline over the last 24 hours.

The digital token showcases a notable post-rally retracement followed by extended consolidations.

UNI price rallied toward $9.8 – $10 in early last month before prolonged downtrends.

The momentum faded amid intensified broader selling pressure, compressing Uniswap’s price into a constricted range.

The UNI price faces its first crucial resistance at $5.80-$6.00, beyond which buyers can extend to $6.50.

Adequate trading volumes will push the alt towards $7.50 and possibly $8.50.

That would mean a nearly 60% upside from Uniswap’s current market price.

On the other hand, UNI boasts a reliable support at $5.10 – $5.20.

Failure to hold this region could trigger dips below $5.00, invalidating the potential upside.

Persistent bearishness might send Uniswap toward $4.50 and the $4.00 support level.

Prevailing broader sentiments and exit from influential individuals like Buterin suggest the downside as the path with fewer resistances for UNI.

Meanwhile, UNI enthusiasts will track overall market performance in the coming sessions, considering the alt’s massive correlation.

All eyes remain on the bellwether crypto.

Bitcoin should overcome the resistance at $94,000 and reclaim $100,000 to flip broader sentiments to bullish.

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Fake Zoom malware scam tied to North Korean hackers targets crypto users

  • The scam relies on Telegram impersonation and pre recorded video calls to build trust.
  • Malware is delivered as a fake audio or SDK patch during the meeting.
  • Security Alliance says it is tracking multiple such attempts every day.

North Korean cybercriminals are escalating social engineering attacks by exploiting fake Zoom and Teams meetings to deploy malware that drains sensitive data and cryptocurrency wallets.

Cybersecurity firm Security Alliance, also known as SEAL, has warned that it is tracking multiple daily attempts linked to these campaigns.

The activity highlights a shift toward more convincing, real-time deception rather than crude phishing.

The warning follows disclosures by MetaMask security researcher Taylor Monahan, who has been monitoring the pattern closely and flagging the scale of losses already linked to the tactic.

The method relies on familiarity, trust, and workplace habits, making it particularly effective against professionals in crypto and tech who regularly use video conferencing tools.

How the fake Zoom scam works

The attack typically begins on Telegram, where victims receive a message from an account that appears to belong to someone they already know. The attackers specifically target contacts with existing chat history, increasing credibility and lowering suspicion.

Once engagement starts, the victim is guided toward scheduling a meeting through a Calendly link, which leads to what looks like a legitimate Zoom call.

When the meeting opens, the victim sees what appears to be a live video feed of their contact and other team members.

In reality, the footage is pre-recorded, not AI-generated deepfakes.

During the call, the attacker claims there are audio issues and suggests installing a quick fix.

A file is shared in the chat and presented as a patch or software development kit update to restore sound clarity.

That file contains the malware payload. Once installed, it gives the attacker remote access to the victim’s device.

Malware impact on crypto wallets

The malicious software is often a Remote Access Trojan. After installation, it silently extracts sensitive information, including passwords, internal security documentation, and private keys.

In crypto-focused environments, this can result in complete wallet drainage with little immediate indication of compromise.

Monahan has warned on X that more than $300m has already been stolen using variations of this approach, and that the same threat actors continue to exploit fake Zoom and Teams meetings to compromise users.

SEAL has echoed the concern, noting the frequency and consistency of these attempts across the crypto sector.

North Korea’s evolving cyber playbook

North Korean hacking groups have long been linked to financially motivated cybercrime, with proceeds believed to support the regime.

Groups such as Lazarus have previously targeted exchanges and blockchain firms through direct exploits and supply chain attacks.

More recently, these actors have leaned heavily into social engineering.

In recent months, they have infiltrated crypto companies using fake job applications and staged interview processes designed to deliver malware.

Last month, Lazarus was linked to a breach at South Korea’s largest exchange, Upbit, which resulted in losses of roughly $30.6 million.

The fake Zoom tactic reflects a broader strategic pivot toward human-centric attack vectors that bypass technical safeguards.

What experts say users should do

Security experts warn that once a malicious file is executed, speed matters.

In cases of suspected infection during a call, users are advised to immediately disconnect from WiFi and power off the device to interrupt data exfiltration.

The broader warning is to treat unexpected meeting links, software patches, and urgent technical requests with extreme caution, even when they appear to come from known contacts.

The post Fake Zoom malware scam tied to North Korean hackers targets crypto users appeared first on CoinJournal.

MEXC launches ETHFI Euphoria campaign with $1M prize pool

  • MEXC’s ETHFI Euphoria campaign runs Dec 15–Jan 14 with $1 million in rewards and zero-fee ETHFI trading.
  • Users can earn rewards via ETHFI trading, staking up to 200% APR, and futures bonus events.
  • Campaign targets both new and existing users, offering spins, deposits, staking, and leaderboard prizes.

Victoria, Seychelles, December 15, 2025 – MEXC, the world’s fastest-growing digital asset exchange and a pioneer of true zero-fee trading, has launched the ETHFI Euphoria campaign in collaboration with ETHFI.

Running from December 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, the campaign offers a $1 million prize pool, zero-fee trading across multiple ETHFI pairs, staking opportunities with up to 200% APR, and additional rewards for users.

The campaign includes six events for both new and existing users:

Event 1: Zero fees on ETHFI trading

Zero fees apply to ETHFI spot pairs (ETHFI/USDT, ETHFI/USDC, ETHFI/USDE, ETHFI/USD1) and futures (ETHFIUSDT, ETHFIUSDC). Availability may vary in certain countries or regions.

Event 2: Share 50,000 ETHFI & 100,000 USDT

Users can participate in the ETHFI Mega Spin by completing tasks on the event page, with each spin offering a chance to claim a share of the prize pool.

Event 3: Stake weETH to unlock 200% APR (new user exclusive)

New users who complete Advanced KYC verification can stake weETH for five days to unlock 200% APR, with individual staking limits ranging from 0.035 to 0.15 weETH.

Rewards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event 4: Deposit & trade spot to share 150,000 ETHFI

New users who make a net deposit of at least 100 USDT or equivalent and complete 100 USDT in ETHFI spot trading volume receive 10 ETHFI.

Rewards are available to the first 10,000 participants.

Additionally, users who achieve 10,000 USDT in spot trading volume can share 50,000 ETHFI, distributed proportionally with a cap of 100 ETHFI per user.

Event 5: Trade futures to share 200,000 USDT in futures bonuses

Users who make at least one ETHFI futures trade and deposit at least 100 USDT are eligible to participate.

New futures users can share a 50,000 USDT welcome bonus pool.

Additionally, users who achieve 100,000 USDT in cumulative trading volume can share 150,000 USDT in leaderboard bonuses.

Rewards from both tasks are stackable.

Event 6: Stake ETHFI to unlock up to 25% APR

Users who complete Primary KYC verification can stake ETHFI to earn up to 25% APR.

Staked assets can be redeemed for trading at any time.

Full details and participation are available on the ETHFI Euphoria campaign page.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees.

Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets.

MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website X TelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR team: media@mexc.com

Risk Disclaimer:

This content does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, project fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

Source

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Phantom integrates Kalshi prediction markets as crypto wallets expand into event trading

  • The new Phantom Prediction Markets feature supports tokenised event trading across multiple categories.
  • Crypto exchanges such as Gemini and Coinbase are also moving into US prediction markets.
  • Regulatory challenges persist, with recent legal action involving the state of Connecticut and Kalshi.

Crypto wallets are increasingly becoming gateways to real-world financial activity, and Phantom’s latest move highlights that shift.

The crypto wallet application has partnered with regulated prediction market Kalshi to embed event-based trading directly into its wallet interface.

The integration allows users to engage with outcome-driven markets without moving funds to external platforms.

It also reflects a broader push by crypto firms to blend onchain infrastructure with regulated financial products tied to real-world events, from elections to economic data and cultural moments.

The partnership, announced on Friday, introduces a new product inside the wallet called Phantom Prediction Markets.

The feature allows users to explore live events, monitor price movements, and trade tokenised positions linked to Kalshi’s markets, all within Phantom’s existing interface.

The move positions wallets not just as storage tools, but as active trading hubs.

How the Phantom Kalshi integration works

Phantom users will be able to discover trending event markets and track live odds directly inside the wallet.

The integration enables trading of tokenised positions that reference Kalshi’s regulated event contracts, covering categories such as politics, economics, sports, and culture.

Instead of navigating separate trading platforms, users can place and manage positions from the same wallet they already use for onchain activity.

The structure relies on tokenised representations tied to Kalshi’s markets, linking decentralised wallet infrastructure with regulated event trading.

Phantom described the product as a way to let users engage with topics they care about in real time, using crypto-native tools to interact with real-world outcomes.

The rollout adds to Phantom’s expanding feature set as competition intensifies among wallet providers.

Prediction markets draw crypto exchanges

Phantom’s announcement comes as crypto exchanges and affiliated entities move quickly to establish a presence in US prediction markets.

On Thursday, Gemini Titan, an affiliate of the crypto exchange Gemini, received a designated contract market licence from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Gemini said the licence would allow it to offer event contract trading through its web platform.

Following the announcement, Gemini shares rose by nearly 14% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor interest in the segment.

Prediction markets have gained traction as traders look for alternative ways to express views on macroeconomic indicators, elections, and other headline-driven events, often outside traditional derivatives markets.

Regulatory pressure shapes the landscape

Despite rising adoption, prediction markets continue to face regulatory scrutiny in the US.

On Dec. 4, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection sent cease and desist orders to Robinhood, Kalshi, and Crypto.com, alleging they were offering unlicensed online gambling services.

Kalshi responded the following day by filing a lawsuit against the state agency, arguing that its event contracts are permitted under federal law.

A Connecticut federal court judge later ordered the department to pause enforcement actions against Kalshi, temporarily blocking the cease and desist order.

The ruling provides short-term relief for Kalshi as legal questions around prediction markets remain unresolved.

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Mantle price breaks key resistance with 10% daily surge: can MNT target $1.50 next?

  • Mantle price jumped 10% to highs of $1.27 as bulls extended gains above the $1.20 mark.
  • Bulls will eye $2.00 next, but selling pressure may yet resurface.
  • Decentralized finance, tokenization, and ETFs could be key pillars for bulls.

Mantle (MNT) has surged past the $1.20 threshold with a +10% surge in the past 24 hours, signaling potential sustained momentum.

As of writing on December 12, 2025, MNT traded around $1.26. The recovery in the period follows recent consolidation, which mirrored the broader market.

A similar outlook surrounded most decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world asset (RWA)  focused tokens.

Mantle price rides bullish sentiment

Mantle’s price has gained in recent sessions as bulls capitalize on fresh positive market sentiment. After Bitcoin held above $90k, upbeat traders have helped propel several altcoins higher.

On December 12, 2025, Ethereum held above $3,200. On the other hand, MNT climbed by over 10% to decisively break above the $1.20 resistance level.

Bears had capped Mantle’s advances for much of the past fortnight.

This intraday surge, which saw the token peak at $1.27 before stabilizing around current prices, came amid a notable spike in daily trading volume.

Data from CoinMarketCap shows rising activity pushed trading volume to $170 million, up by 5% in the past 24 hours.

The move aligns with a broader crypto rally, where Ethereum-based assets.

A lot of this has to do with renewed institutional inflows and anticipation surrounding ETFs and regulatory clarity.

Mantle’s total value locked (TVL) has jumped from $385 million to above $430 million, helped by the Mantle and Bybit partnership.

On December 10, 2025, Bybit and Mantle announced a collaboration with Almanak, an AI-powered quantitative trading platform.

The alliance deploys Almanak’s token on the Mantle network, complete with a dedicated liquidity pool and seamless integration of its no-code, multi-agent AI strategy engine.

Mantle price forecast

While the market remains jittery, Mantle’s price trajectory appears poised for continued expansion.

The blockchain platform offers a modular architecture and combines optimistic rollups with innovative data availability solutions. DeFi, RWAs, and crypto ETFs could play a key role in solidifying the bulls’ stance.

Having tested $1.27, MNT could next target resistance near $1.50, and a breakout will bring $2.00 into play.

This outlook will strengthen if Bitcoin sees new upside momentum that spills over into altcoins.

Mantle Price Chart
Mantle price chart by CoinMarketCap

However, volatility persists, and a broader market correction tied to macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds may yet encourage bears.

If MNT’s price fails to break higher or stabilize above $1.20, a short-term bearish flip could bring lows of $0.9 into view.

As well as market conditions, bulls will watch out for overall network and partnership milestones. MNT price reached an all-time high of $2.85 in October 2025.

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Ether could retest $3k as bullish momentum stall: Check forecast

Key takeaways

  • ETH is up 1.4% in the last 24 hours and is now trading above $3,200.
  • The leading altcoin by market cap could retest the $3k psychological level as the bullish momentum stalls.

Market momentum stalls

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are currently trading around key resistance levels after rallying over the past 24 hours. The resistance levels could see the leading cryptocurrencies retest lower psychological areas before either dumping harder or embarking on a successful breakout.

At press time, Ether is trading above $3,200 per coin after adding 1.4% to its value in the last 24 hours. It failed to surpass the $3,500 resistance level on Friday despite the Federal Reserve reducing its benchmark interest rate for the third time this year.

However, the Fed delivered a hawkish rate cut, causing the market sentiment to shift bearish and Ether to retest the $3,100 level on Thursday. The market has now bounced back, and Ether could reclaim the $3,500 resistance if the rally continues. 

Ether could retest $3k before rallying higher

The ETH/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient, as Ether has added nearly 4% to its value since the start of the week. Ether’s price broke above the descending trendline (drawn by joining multiple highs since October 7) earlier this week and rose by 6.2% on Wednesday. 

ETH/USD 4H Chart

However, it declined below $3,100 following the FOMC meeting, with a key resistance level set around $3,500. If Ether closes its daily candle above the 50-day EMA at $3,310, it could rally towards the next major resistance at $3,592.

The RSI of 54 is above the neutral 50, indicating a bullish momentum on the 4-hour timeframe. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) showed a bullish crossover earlier this week, supporting a bullish bias. 

However, if the daily candle fails to close above $3,310, Ether could face another correction towards the daily support level at $3,017.

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Crypto oversight in US tightens as CFTC and FDIC leadership near confirmation

  • Mike Selig is positioned to replace Acting Chair Caroline Pham at the CFTC if confirmed.
  • The CFTC has already expanded crypto oversight through collateral approvals and spot trading permissions.
  • Travis Hill’s confirmation would formalise his interim role at the FDIC and continue crypto-friendly banking policies.

Crypto regulation in the United States is entering a more defined phase as Senate procedures bring key financial watchdog appointments closer to completion.

Two agencies with direct influence over digital assets, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., are on the verge of formal leadership changes, as per a CoinDesk report.

President Donald Trump’s nominees to chair both regulators have advanced through the Senate confirmation process, signalling a potential shift in how crypto markets and crypto-linked banking are supervised.

While the final votes have not yet taken place, recent developments suggest that decisions are approaching, narrowing uncertainty around regulatory direction.

Senate clears path for final votes

The Senate moved the process forward on Thursday by approving a resolution that clears the way for final confirmation votes.

The measure passed by a 52–47 margin and applies to a large group of nominees being considered together, reports CoinDesk.

Mike Selig, nominated to lead the CFTC, and Travis Hill, nominated to become chairman of the FDIC, are among the names included.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said on X that the final vote is likely early next week, though the chamber remains days away from formally confirming the candidates.

Republicans in the Senate have adopted a strategy of voting on dozens of nominations in batches rather than individually. In this round, lawmakers are deciding on 97 confirmation questions at the same time.

Selig and Hill represent only two of those positions, but both roles carry outsized importance for the crypto sector.

The approach has helped accelerate confirmations but has also compressed scrutiny of individual nominees.

CFTC positions itself as crypto regulator

Selig currently serves as a senior official at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he has been working on crypto-related issues.

If confirmed, he would replace Acting Chair Caroline Pham, who has guided the CFTC through a series of initiatives seen as supportive of digital asset markets.

Under Pham’s leadership, the CFTC has positioned itself as an active player in crypto supervision, even as Congress continues to debate broader market structure legislation.

The agency is widely expected to take a leading role in crypto oversight if lawmakers eventually pass a bill that formally assigns authority.

Even without new legislation, the CFTC has already expanded its reach.

It has created a CEO council to advise on policy matters, approved the use of Bitcoin BTC $92,157.53, Ether ETH $3,237.28, and USDC, along with other payment stablecoins as collateral, and allowed registered firms to offer spot crypto trading services.

These steps have embedded crypto more deeply into regulated financial activity.

FDIC banking stance comes into focus

At the FDIC, Hill has already been serving as interim chief, meaning his confirmation would formalise an existing role rather than introduce new leadership, notes CoinDesk.

During his interim tenure, Hill has pursued policies that indicate a more accommodating stance toward crypto banking.

This includes engagement with banks that provide services to digital asset firms, an area that has previously faced uncertainty due to regulatory caution.

Oversight framework begins to align

Together, the pending confirmations point toward a more coordinated regulatory environment for crypto in the US.

With leadership at both the CFTC and FDIC close to being finalised, oversight of crypto markets and crypto-related banking may soon operate under clearer and more consistent supervision.

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PI could dip below $0.20 amid a strong bearish sentiment

Key takeaways

  • PI is down 1% in the last 24 hours and is now trading below $0.21.
  • The coin could drop lower as the bearish sentiment grows stronger.

Pi core team transfers 2 million tokens

PI is down 1% in the last 24 hours despite the broader crypto market recovering from its recent slump. The negative performance comes after an outflow of 2 million PI tokens from the Pi core team’s liquidity reserve wallet. 

Usually, such transfers are a strategic movement of supply for rewards of operations. This is usually followed by a bearish movement in the price action of the cryptocurrencies.

A similar transfer of 50 million PI tokens to a different wallet two months ago saw multiple deposits to the OKX cryptocurrency exchange. At the moment, this wallet holds less than 48 million tokens after transferring over 3 million PI tokens to OKX. 

This movement could suggest that the core team is consolidating its holdings, increasing the bearish sentiment surrounding PI. 

PI could retest the $0.19 support level

The PI/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as the coin has been in the red over the past seven days. The technical indicators are also bearish, suggesting that sellers are currently in control of the market. 

The bearish performance comes after PI failed to defend the $0.2200 support level, with the bears likely to push it lower towards the $0.1919 support area. 

PI/USD 4H Chart

Failure to defend this critical level could expose PI to the October 10 low at $0.1533, which could serve as its all-time low support.

The RSI of 37 is below the neutral 50, indicating that the bears are currently in control of the market. The MACD lines are also within the negative territory, suggesting a bearish momentum. 

However, if the bulls recover the momentum, PI could rally and test the 50-day Exponential Moving Average at $0.2364. The bullish trend will resume once PI crosses the $2.500 psychological level.

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Crypto overview: Markets calm as $4.3B in BTC and ETH options expire

  • Over $4.3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options will expire today, December 12.
  • BTC trades above $92,300, with a maximum pain level at around $90,000.
  • Data shows balanced calls and puts, signaling a cautious stance among traders.

Cryptocurrencies remained elevated on Friday as Bitcoin recovered from post-FOMC retracements.

While most tokens trade below their key resistance zones, today’s gains brightened the mood across majors as uncertainty dominates even after the highly anticipated December 10 rate cut.

Amidst the optimism, the primary story remained the over $4.3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options expiring today, on December 12.

With BTC price pinned above $92,300, analysts believe the event could shape the broader market’s trajectory as we close 2025.

Markets steady amid balanced expiry

Deribit revealed a curiously balanced options board, with 18,974 call contracts and 20,852 put contracts, for a combined open interest of 39,826.

Most importantly, a 1.10 put-call ratio confirms balance, with neither side dominating the market.

Clearly, there are no aggressive actions or euphoric calls that generally herald parabolic moves.

Rather, traders have positioned themselves to keep price fluctuations predictable and tight.

And that seems to work, as Bitcoin and Ethereum traded calmly as billions in notional value near a deadline.

Deribit analysts stated:

BTC positioning is tightly centered around the $90K level. Call and put interest sit in near balance, suggesting traders expect a contained expiry after the recent range-bound tape.

$90,000 as the magnet

The crypto community’s attention remained on the max pain region of $90,000 – where options bulls stand to suffer.

Generally, whales or market movers drive prices toward max pain.

Meanwhile, Derbit’s chart shows puts stacked massively between $75,000 and $85,000, with call interest heavy at $95,000 – $100,000.

Thus, Bitcoin is hovering at the most balanced region of around $90,000 – $92,000.

That indicates a calm market with no dramatic moves.

On the other hand, Ethereum is trading at $3,250, above its $3,100 max pain level, with open interest of 237,879 comprising 130,579 put contracts and 107,282 call contracts.

That leads to a 1.22 put-call ratio and approximately $770 notional value.

Indeed, Bitcoin is displaying restraint despite the massive notion value (nearly $3.7 billion is linked to BTC options only).

There’s no such thing as sudden liquidations, panicked shakeouts, or forced price gains.

That level of calmness during high-stakes events like options expiry seems rare, leaving most market players alert.

A market that ignores imminent pressure often waits for the next catalyst.

What’s next?

Options expiry weighs on crypto prices, and digital tokens often set clear directions after the event.

The options will expire at 8 pm UTC, and traders will closely watch post-performance.

Clearing $93,000 – $94,000 can trigger near-term recovery, with fresh calls toward the $100,000 psychological mark.

However, losing $90,000 could mean a continued near-term struggle for Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, traders and investors will watch signs of thin liquidity amid holiday sessions, which often intensifies moves, and year-end institutional repositioning through key indicators like ETFs.

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Binance under scrutiny over response to South Korean police request in Upbit breach case

  • South Korean police asked Binance to freeze Solana tokens linked to the Upbit breach on Nov. 27.
  • Binance reportedly froze about $55,000 after a delay of roughly 15 hours.
  • The Upbit breach involved unauthorised Solana-based withdrawals worth about $36 million.

South Korean authorities are examining how overseas crypto platforms respond to urgent law enforcement requests after new details emerged about Binance’s handling of a police freeze request linked to a security breach at Upbit.

The case has become a reference point for how quickly stolen digital assets can be contained once they leave domestic exchanges and move across borders.

While cooperation between exchanges and regulators is often described as routine, the Upbit incident shows how verification processes and response times can shape the outcome of active investigations.

The situation has also renewed attention on whether existing cross-border coordination mechanisms are sufficient when hacks involve large sums and fast-moving assets.

Freeze request and delayed action

According to South Korean broadcaster KBS, police investigating the Upbit breach asked Binance to freeze Solana tokens worth about 470 million Korean won, or roughly $370,000, on Nov. 27.

Investigators believed the funds were linked to wallets connected to the incident at Upbit, one of the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

KBS reported that Binance ultimately froze around $55,000, equivalent to about 17% of the amount requested.

The freeze came after a delay of approximately 15 hours.

Binance reportedly told authorities that additional verification was required before it could act on the full request.

The gap between the amount requested and the amount frozen has become central to questions about enforcement speed.

Impact of the Upbit breach

The police request followed unauthorised withdrawals of Solana-based assets from Upbit valued at roughly $36 million.

The scale of the breach prompted a formal police probe and a broader effort by the exchange to trace and recover funds across multiple platforms.

As part of the response, Upbit has been tracking wallet movements and alerting major global exchanges to assets suspected of being linked to the breach.

The case illustrates how quickly stolen crypto can be distributed, making early intervention critical once an incident is detected.

Broader enforcement challenges

The incident has drawn attention to structural issues in global crypto enforcement.

KBS cited commentary highlighting that rapid initial freezes can limit losses in hacking cases, while delays can allow assets to be moved or laundered further.

Concerns have also been raised about exchanges citing legal or litigation risks when responding cautiously to foreign law enforcement requests.

The discussion has included proposals for tighter coordination, such as direct emergency communication channels between major exchanges with the authority to enact temporary freezes while verification is completed.

These ideas reflect ongoing debates about balancing due process with the need for swift containment.

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HTX takes the crown for the most net inflows of $583.7M over the past 30 days

  • HTX tops global exchanges with $583M net inflows, signaling renewed user confidence.
  • Transparency, PoR data, and stronger security drive HTX’s surge in deposits.
  • HTX Earn sees sharp growth as users seek stable yields amid market volatility.

Panama City, December 12, 2025 – In a market defined by rapid narrative shifts and unpredictable volatility, one metric never lies: the direction of capital flows.

According to DefiLlama data as of December 5, HTX recorded $583.7 million in net inflows over the past 30 days, ranking first among all centralized exchanges globally.

The platform also maintained steady growth in total user assets and rising spot trading volume, reinforcing a positive cycle built on asset security, expanding user activity, and accelerating capital inflows.

Source: DefiLlama (December 5)

This leadership is not a momentary spike but the culmination of a sustained trend.

When uncertainty rises, users naturally gravitate toward the platforms they trust most.

HTX’s strong net inflow performance ultimately results from millions of users making the same decision.

Behind the numbers: a real vote of confidence from users

In the competitive arena of centralized exchanges, net inflow is one of the most accurate indicators of user behavior.

Exchanges with consistent inflows tend to outperform in passive income products, new asset listings, user experience, and operational transparency.

When users deposit assets onto a platform, they are communicating a simple but powerful message: they believe the exchange is safe, solvent, and reliable, and that it will not freeze withdrawals, suffer liquidity stress, or engage in opaque operations.

Amid the crypto market cycle fluctuations, HTX’s position at the top signals that its reputation for stability and reliability is being re-established.

Its core businesses, especially Earn products with asset transparency, have gained real traction.

In other words, HTX is entering a new phase of increasing trust across the global market.

Why HTX? three strategic drivers behind the surge

Since the second half of 2025, HTX has made major efforts across transparency, security, and compliance, strengthening its operations and setting the stage for this wave of net inflows.

On asset transparency, HTX, one of the first movers in the industry to publish Proof of Reserves, has now disclosed Merkle Tree-based PoR data for 38 consecutive months.

All major assets on the platform consistently maintain reserve ratios at or above 100%.

Users can access the “Assets > Proof of Reserves” section at any time on HTX’s official website to verify monthly reserve reports.

Visibility is the strongest form of risk control and HTX’s philosophy is simple: users should always be able to see their money.

On security and compliance, HTX is presenting the advantages of a platform founded in 2013.

With upgraded compliance architecture and security system, the platform has strengthened its capability in anti-money laundering, on-chain monitoring, and account risk management.

Twelve years of security engineering and risk management act as a buffer during critical market cycles, making HTX a preferred destination when stability matters most.

What are users choosing when they move their assets to HTX Earn?

HTX Earn products’ performance

HTX’s return to the top of the industry is rooted in one thing: the platform understands exactly what users really want.

Crypto users in 2025 are far more pragmatic. They’re no longer swayed by narratives.

They look at yield, at user experience, and at security. And HTX’s upgrades across its core business lines align precisely with those three priorities.

Let’s illustrate this with HTX Earn’s performance over the past seven days.

Both total assets subscribed and total participants have risen meaningfully.

Specifically, USDD subscriptions in HTX Earn increased 25.5%, with participants up 12.4%.

ETH subscription amounts rose 17.2%, while TRX products’ participants increased 6.7%.

The trend is unmistakable: users are allocating more long-term capital into the HTX Earn products.

In a market where directional trading is difficult and volatility provides more stress than opportunity, many investors now prioritize stable, predictable returns.

That shift has fueled the rapid expansion of HTX Earn. Its advantages can be summarized in three qualities of stability, simplicity, and superior yields.

HTX Earn features the user-first principle. Investors are flocking to HTX Earn because of the following strengths:

  • Simple & Seamless: Easy to use, one-click subscription, flexible redemption. No gimmicks, ideal for long-term holding.
  • Transparent Yield: Returns from subscriptions to core assets are more transparent with no complex derivative rules and hidden terms.
  • Competitive & Stable Returns: Earn steady yields on stablecoins and major cryptocurrencies with APYs above the industry average.

Across social platforms, users have expressed the same sentiment repeatedly: “When markets are unstable, HTX is the only place I trust with my stablecoin yields.”

Capital flows don’t lie and the surge in net inflows validates that trust.

HTX is rebuilding industry-wide confidence

HTX’s performance throughout 2025 speaks for itself. The rise is the result of systemic upgrades.

From greater asset transparency and enhanced security to the explosive growth of HTX Earn, the platform has demonstrated consistent resilience during a turbulent period for the industry.

All of these strengths converge into the clearest metric of all: as of December 5, HTX ranked No.1 in 30-day net inflows among all global CEXs.

As the industry transitions into the “trust premium” phase, capital naturally flows toward platforms that are more transparent, more stable, and more aligned with value creation.

Investors have already given their verdict through their actions: HTX is the exchange they trust most with their assets.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services.

Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord. For further inquiries, please contact glo-media@htx-inc.com.

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Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) crashes 10% in 24 hours as memecoin market weakens

  • Pudgy Penguins  (PENGU) price fell to lows of $0.010 as altcoins crashed on Thursday.
  • The token’s dip extends losses seen in the past months.
  • Bitcoin’s slip amid the AI market downturn impacted PENGU’s price.

Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) has taken a significant price hit in the past 24 hours, with the memecoin token plummeting more than 10% to lead the top 100 losers on the day.

At the time of writing, PENGU price hovered around $0.01085. The token broke from under $0.0100 to touch highs of $0.013 earlier in the week.

However, with cryptocurrencies showing weakness, the token has erased all these gains.

Pudgy Penguins tanks 10% as altcoins slip

The Pudgy Penguins ecosystem, which boasts an NFT collection and burgeoning token utility, has had it rough in the past few months.

Pudgy Penguins X Care Bears

We're excited to partner with one of the world's biggest IPs, @CareBears, for a limited-edition Pengu collectible dropping tomorrow, December 12th, at 12pm EST.

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— Pudgy Penguins (@pudgypenguins) December 11, 2025

After surging to above $0.043 in July, a downward spiral saw PENGU slip to a low of $0.0097 on December 2, 2025.

While bulls masterminded a slight uptick to above $0.013, the PENGU token, which powers community initiatives like merchandise drops and digital collectibles, has once again shed gains.

By paring by more than 10% of its value within a single day, the token is now staring at 30% declines in the past month.

The token has one of the steepest declines among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization in the past year. On December 11, Pudgy Penguins’ trading volume dropped 12% to $243 million.

Analysts see this as a signal of reduced selling pressure after the latest declines were accompanied by huge surges in volume.

PENGU price outlook

The PENGU price decline is emblematic of a wider bearish assault across cryptocurrencies.

As Bitcoin sees bearish pressure, altcoins have dropped to key support levels. Memecoins, which have failed to rally amid declines for Dogecoin and others, lead some of the sectors with huge losses.

Global equity markets also faltered after the previous session’s gains.

In this case, a lack of momentum after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates has dampened broader risk appetite. PENGU’s correlation with top alts and memecoins amplifies the potential for further declines.

Overleveraged positions from recent gains could catalyse an unfolding scenario of downward action. A drop below $0.010 will be bad news for bulls.

Sellers could even target $0.004, an area near all-time lows seen in April 2025.

However, catalysts such as upcoming ETF decisions and broader adoption suggest bulls may not be done yet.

Investors will eye these and other reversal cues. A path forward remains treacherous as the bear run rolls in, but price reclaiming $0.013 is key. PENGU’s bullish levels are above $0.04.

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