It was devastating for the memecoin space in 2025, with the total market value shrinking by more than half. A handful of notable coins, however, bucked the slump to offer some respite to the bulls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Silver Lining</h2>



MemeCore stood as the most successful large-cap memecoin, surging a whopping 2504% since its launch in July. The token rose to a peak valuation of $2.93 billion in September before settling slightly below $2 billion as of this writing.



Characterized as a Layer-1 &#8220;Meme Chain,&#8221; the project aims to add utility and long-term value to meme coins.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>YTD Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 12:30 a.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>MemeCore (M)</td><td>+2504.12%</td><td>$1.52</td></tr><tr><td>Official Trump (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+309.42%</td><td>$4.94</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-62.06%</td><td>$0.1230</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-66.49%</td><td>$0.000007084</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The popular Official Trump memecoin, which<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43200116/did-trumps-meme-coin-put-the-future-of-crypto-at-risk"> attracted both positive and negative publicity</a>, rallied over 300% since its launch in January. 



However, when assessed from its all-time highs attained shortly after launch, it remains down 93%.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dogecoin-doge-price-prediction">Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Prediction 2025, 2026, 2030</a>



Meanwhile, Solana&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOL</a>)-based memecoin&nbsp;Pippin&nbsp;(PIPPIN) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49603007/disappointed-by-bitcoin-and-dogecoin-in-2025-these-coins-soared-over-2000-to-dominate-the-gainers-list">exploded over 5000%</a> to top the cryptocurrency gainers list this year. The coin, which had been largely dormant for most of the year, erupted around mid-November, reaching an all-time high of $0.6109 last week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Big Laggards</h2>



Elsewhere, the story didn&#8217;t appear as rosy.



In a dramatic turnaround from their 2024 rallies, blue-chip memecoins such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu each cratered over 60% in 2025.



Frog-themed Pepe <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PEPE-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="PEPE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</a> also plunged over 78%, compared to a 1291% increase in 2024.



The total memecoin capitalization collapsed from $94.92 billion to $37.79 billion, representing a 60% decline.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49603007/disappointed-by-bitcoin-and-dogecoin-in-2025-these-coins-soared-over-2000-to-dominate-the-gainers-list">Disappointed By Bitcoin And Dogecoin In 2025? These Coins Soared Over 2000% To Dominate The Gainers List</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Kirill Aleksandrovich on Shutterstock.com

Trump Coin And This Token Emerge Victorious In A Year Marked By Memecoin Bloodbath — Dogecoin, Shiba Inu End 2025 Lower

Layer-1 token Chiliz <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CHZ" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CHZ-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/chz/usd">CHZ</a>)</a> rallied sharply on Tuesday, becoming one of the cryptocurrency market&#8217;s biggest gainers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHZ Leaves BTC And ETH Behind</h2>



CHZ rose more than 10% to become the third most successful token in the last 24 hours. 



The cryptocurrency overshadowed market heavyweights such as Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and Ethereum <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a>, which gained only 1.21% and 0.58%, respectively.



The spot price rally ignited the derivatives market as open interest in CHZ futures lifted over 8% in the last 24 hours, <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/BitcoinOpenInterest">according</a> to Coinglass.



Moreover, the share of Binance traders placing bullish bets on the coin rose from 52% to 54%, according to the Long/Short Ratio.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49637021/donald-trumps-2025-crypto-playbook-heres-every-major-move-he-made">Donald Trump&#8217;s 2025 Crypto Playbook: Here&#8217;s Every Major Move He Made</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bullish Catalyst</h2>



The token has been on the ascendancy since the parent chain launched the Decentral Protocol earlier this month. Through this, football clubs could borrow stablecoins using future media rights as collateral.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f4e3; The first RWA-oriented protocol providing liquidity for financing football media rights operations on Chiliz Chain is now live. Powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/usedecentral?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usedecentral</a>, SportFi enters a new era. &#x26a1; <a href="https://t.co/stQ65clVJx">pic.twitter.com/stQ65clVJx</a>&mdash; Chiliz &#8211; The Sports Blockchain (@Chiliz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiliz/status/2000569869885214928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Launched in 2018, Chiliz allows <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/02/30819572/chiliz-launches-new-layer-1-blockchain-what-it-means-for-chz-token-holders-in-2023">sports and entertainment brands</a> to create NFTs, Fan Tokens, and DeFi products, and engage with fans in the Web3 environment. The platform also issues Fan Tokens through its fan rewards and engagement app Socios.com



Price Action: At the time of writing, CHZ was exchanging hands at $0.04067, up 10.27% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. 



That said, year-to-date, the token has proved to be disappointing, losing over 50% of its value.



Photo Courtesy: Alexandru Nika on Shutterstock.com



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49625082/andreessen-horowitzs-web3-arm-says-privacy-focused-chains-will-be-most-important-moat-in-crypto">Andreessen Horowitz&#8217;s Web3 Arm Says Privacy-Focused Chains Will Be &#8216;Most Important Moat&#8217; In Crypto</a></li>
</ul>

Chiliz's Native Token Rallies 10%, Leaves Bitcoin, Ethereum In The Dust: What's Going On With CHZ?

Silver recorded a blowout year, with prices surging to $80 an ounce for the precious metal. The strong performance has also stirred activity in prediction markets, encouraging punters to speculate on its short-term direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Silver&#8217;s Surging Odds On Polymarket<div><span class="font-semibold text-indigo-800 text-lg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.55556; --tw-font-weight: 600; color: oklch(0.398 0.195 277.366); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: collapse; background-color: oklch(0.962 0.018 272.314);"></div></h2>



The odds of the white metal reaching a record $90 per ounce by the end of January stood at&nbsp;<a href="https://polymarket.com/event/si-hit-jan-2026?tid=1767056028120">26%</a>&nbsp;on Polymarket, up from 22% the day before.&nbsp; Similarly, the chances of it exceeding $85 jumped to 45% from 29%, 



Conversely, bookmakers gave silver an 84% chance, the highest among all outcomes, of falling below $70 in this time period. Moreover, they lowered the chances of the white metal surpassing $100 to 14%.



This market will resolve to &#8220;Yes&#8221; if, on any trading day, the official CME settlement price for silver futures equals or exceeds the specified price by the last trading day of January.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47682976/bitcoin-flat-as-fed-policy-meet-looms-ethereum-dogecoin-xrp-decline-analyst-flags-support-where-they-plan-to-load-heavily-on-eth">W</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/12/49637059/silver-rallies-after-worst-day-in-5-years-metals-bounce-back">hat is Silver Used for? The History of Silver&#8217;s Uses</a>



Polymarket, based on&nbsp;Polygon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/POL-USD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">POL</a>), allows users to buy "Yes" and "No" shares in&nbsp;USDC&nbsp;(CRYPTO:&nbsp;<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=USDC">USDC</a>). The shares representing the correct outcome are paid out $1 USDC each upon market resolution. 



The prediction platform is making a staggered comeback in the U.S. market and is getting rolled out to those on the waitlist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Silver&#8217;s Record-Breaking Rally</h2>



The odds come amid a breathtaking rally that has pushed the precious metal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/12/49611680/silver-hits-all-time-high-then-reverses-whats-fueling-the-frenzy">to its strongest annual performance</a> since the late 1970s



Year-to-date, spot silver has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/12/49594583/silver-2025-performance-record-highs-best-year-since-1979">gained over 140%</a>, outpacing gold, equities and Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a>, driven in large part by acute physical shortages in China, where a retail buying frenzy has collided with tight supply



The&nbsp;iShares Silver Trust&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SLV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SLV">SLV</a></a>), which reflects the price of the metal, has surged 161% this year.



Earlier this year,&nbsp;Maria Smirnova, a portfolio manager at Sprott Asset&nbsp;Management, said that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/12/49624364/silver-crushes-gold-with-152-rally-heres-what-you-should-know-about-the-tight-supply-story-and-backwardation">commodity's rally was&nbsp;only just getting started</a>&nbsp;due to the shrinking supply, potentially giving rise to a price squeeze.



Price Action: At the time of writing, spot silver traded at $73.05 an ounce, down 4.22% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. The SLV ETF closed 4.50% higher at $68.98 during Tuesday&#8217;s regular trading session



Photo Courtesy: MIKE MANIATIS on Shutterstock.com



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-silver-stocks">Best Silver Stocks Right Now</a></li>
</ul>

What's Silver's Next Move? Zoom Past $90 In Early 2026 Or Face Pullback: Crypto Betters Say This

Leading cryptocurrencies rose on Tuesday, while the stock market slipped as the Federal Reserve released minutes from its December meeting.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>+1.78%</td><td>$88,600.81</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+1.88%</td><td>$2,978.98</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+1.78%</td><td>$1.88</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+2.39%</td><td>$125.71</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+0.76%</td><td>$0.1235</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin, Ethereum On Track For Worst Q4 Since 2018</h2>



Bitcoin rose but failed to break past the $89,000 barrier, while trading volume for the apex cryptocurrency plummeted 24% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum again stalled at $3,000 amid a 27% dip in trading volume.



The two heavyweights are poised for their weakest fourth quarter performances since 2018, with Bitcoin down 22.37% and Ethereum losing 28%.



Meanwhile, shares of cryptocurrency-linked stocks Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMNR">BMNR</a>)</a> and Coinbase Global Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="COIN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a>)</a> closed down 2.87% and 0.93%, respectively, during the regular trading session.



Benzinga Edge delivers real-time stock alerts, trade ideas, and professional investing tools to help you navigate the market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/edge/">Learn more about BMNR and COIN and start your investment journey today.</a>



Nearly $180 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/LongShortRatio">according </a>to Coinglass, with roughly equal amounts of longs and shorts erased.



Bitcoin's open interest fell 2.28% in the last 24 hours. A drop in open interest, coinciding with a rise in spot price, could indicate short covering, meaning bearish traders are closing their short positions.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency (Market Cap&gt;$100 M)</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Canton (CC )&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+17.48%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; $0.1479</td></tr><tr><td>Four (FORM )&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+15.81%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $0.3699</td></tr><tr><td>UnDeads Games (UDS )&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+12.20%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $2.77</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.99 trillion, following an increase of 1.26% in the last 24 hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Lose Further Ground</h2>



Stocks dived further on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 94.87 points, or 0.20%, to end at 48,367.06. The S&amp;P 500 shed 94.87 points to settle at 6,896.24, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite closed down 0.24% at 23,474.35.



The Federal Reserve&#8217;s December 2025&nbsp; meeting <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/fomcminutes20251210.pdf">minutes</a> revealed divisions among officials, with some pushing for a 50 basis point rate cut, though the committee opted for a 25 basis point reduction.



"Most participants judged that further downward adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate if inflation declined over time as expected," the minutes read.



Traders are pricing in a 85% chance that the current rate, 3.50% to 3.75%, will remain unchanged at the January meeting, <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">according</a> to the CME FedWatch tool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will The New Year Bring A Nice Surprise?</h2>



Michaël van de Poppe, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, examined Bitcoin&#8217;s ongoing battle at the 21-day simple moving average around $89,000.



"That&#8217;s [21-day MA] been the crucial trigger prior to previous rallies and that will be the crucial one again," Van De Poppe said.



"Let&#8217;s see whether the markets are going to give a nice little surprise on New Years Day with a breakout of Bitcoin above the 21-Day MA," the analyst speculated.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Massive bullish divergence on the daily timeframe for BTCUSD vs. Gold. Gold comes down, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> consolidates and this starts to look better. On top of that, given that this is a valid bullish divergence, it implies that Bitcoin is likely to outperform Gold in the coming… <a href="https://t.co/cX2Vgn9NO1">pic.twitter.com/cX2Vgn9NO1</a>&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/2005655044419424679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Killa, another trader with a sizable following on X, analyzed a historical pattern where Bitcoin typically drops 5-8% in the week following Consumer Price Index releases.



The analyst forecasts a dip toward lows ahead of the upcoming CPI report on Jan. 13, triggering a selloff that day, followed by a strong bullish rally.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> Its that time again, January the 13th is CPI Observing 6 months of patterns, BTC has dropped on average 5-8% after this period. Interestingly enough, BTC usually forms somewhat of a bullish narrative into this period. Meaning next month, we might see a hunt of the lows… <a href="https://t.co/1fMkO8oZja">pic.twitter.com/1fMkO8oZja</a>&mdash; Killa (@KillaXBT) <a href="https://twitter.com/KillaXBT/status/2006139627065823735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49639307/bitcoins-apollo-13-moment-sets-up-a-2026-surge-says-mike-novogratz">Bitcoin&#8217;s &#8216;Apollo 13 Moment&#8217; Sets Up A 2026 Surge, Says Mike Novogratz</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Marc Bruxelle on Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Gain As 2026 Looms: Analyst Expects 'Nice Little Surprise' On New Year's Day If BTC Does This

Mike Novogratz predicts Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> will have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction-oct-14">a breakout 2026</a> after crypto sentiment hit near all-time lows in 2025, comparing the year to an Apollo 13 mission where the command module barely made it back intact.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why 2026 Could Be Crypto&#8217;s Year</h3>



In the latest &#8220;All Things Markets&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/Scaramucci/status/2005685722418712738">podcast</a> by Anthony Scaramucci, Novogratz said Bitcoin&#8217;s 2025 underperformance against gold and silver created a setup for a major reversal, with retail sentiment dead and Google searches for Bitcoin near all-time lows.



The year started with moonshot predictions but Bitcoin stalled at the launchpad.&nbsp;



&#8220;We were set up super bowled up at the beginning of 2025. We&#8217;re going to the moon, and it stalled,&#8221; Novogratz said.&nbsp;



&#8220;It was like Apollo 13. We basically got the command module back intact,&#8221; he added.



That failure reset sentiment and cleared out leveraged longs.&nbsp;



Galaxy Digital <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLXY" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GLXY" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLXY">GLXY</a>)</a> CEO now sees the negativity as a contrary indicator, with most professionals positioned risk-off <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49578613/anthony-scaramucci-asks-mike-novogratz-about-bitcoins-2026-prospects-here-is-what-the-galaxy-ceo-said-about-btc-and-its-belief-system">heading</a> into 2026.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Fed Factor: Trump Wants 1% Rates</h3>



Both investors expect the Federal Reserve to cut rates aggressively in 2026, driven by President Donald Trump&#8217;s push for 1% interest rates—what Scaramucci calls recession-level policy.



Trump is interviewing Fed chair candidates this week and asking directly whether 100 basis point cuts are possible.&nbsp;



Candidates including Christopher Waller, Kevin Warsh, and Kevin Hassett are all being pressed on their willingness to slash rates.



Novogratz cited the old Goldman Sachs mantra: &#8220;Don&#8217;t fight the Fed. If you&#8217;re telling me the Fed&#8217;s coming down, I don&#8217;t want to fight the Fed. I&#8217;m long. We&#8217;re positioned long.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Dollar Selloff Trade</h3>



Novogratz&#8217;s top macro trade for 2026 is shorting the dollar as the Fed cuts rates and a new dovish Fed chair takes over.



He predicts the Euro climbs from 1.18 to 1.30 over the course of the year, with the Australian dollar also gaining ground as global liquidity expands.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yen Carry Trade Could Explode</h3>



The yen carry trade—where investors borrow in yen at near-zero rates to invest in higher-yielding assets, could accelerate if Japan continues raising rates to stem capital outflows.



Dollar-yen is currently around 157, but Novogratz sees it hitting 200 by the end of 2026 as Japanese investors flee rising domestic rates.



The best currency trade of 2025 was shorting yen against the Mexican peso, which delivered 20% plus another 7% in carry. That trade likely continues into 2026.



A weaker yen means more global liquidity flooding into risk assets, which historically benefits Bitcoin.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Lucky Break: AI Boom Meets Falling Inflation</h3>



Scaramucci predicts Trump will benefit regardless of tariff outcomes as inflation trends down while the AI boom accelerates productivity gains.



If Trump wins the tariff fight, he gets fiscal rebates.&nbsp;



If he loses, markets rally on more cash flow.&nbsp;



Either way, the AI infrastructure buildout—including massive data center construction, continues driving productivity and economic growth.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/12/49634947/why-every-superstar-etf-ended-up-as-a-tech-and-ai-bet-in-2025">Why Every Superstar ETF Ended Up As A Tech And AI Bet In 2025</a></li>
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Bitcoin's 'Apollo 13 Moment' Sets Up A 2026 Surge, Says Mike Novogratz

In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, established a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49027738/trump-established-bitcoin-reserve-and-digital-asset-stockpile-may-be-underwater">Strategic Bitcoin Reserve</a> with 200,000 BTC worth $17 billion, and his family&#8217;s crypto ventures generated over $1 billion in profits even as critics called it the most corrupt presidency in history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From &#8220;Bitcoin Is A Scam&#8221; To &#8220;Bitcoin President&#8221;</h3>



Trump&#8217;s transformation defined 2025. 



He went from calling Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> &#8220;a scam&#8221; to declaring himself the &#8220;Bitcoin President&#8221; while championing America&#8217;s dominance over China in digital assets.



&#8220;I noticed more and more you&#8217;re paying Bitcoin. People are saying it takes a lot of pressure off the dollar. And it&#8217;s a great thing for our country,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46148904/donald-trump-says-bitcoin-takes-a-lot-of-pressure-off-the-dollar">said</a> in June.



Despite the endorsement, Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/48582613/trump-says-he-knows-very-little-about-huge-crypto-industry-but-glad-his-sons-are-involved">admitted</a> in November: &#8220;I know very little about it, other than one thing. It&#8217;s a huge industry.&#8221;



Trump&#8217;s administration also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43008666/sec-under-trump-administration-to-revise-crypto-policies-report">dismantled</a> Biden-era crypto restrictions, withdrew SAB 121, closed over 10 SEC investigations, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48385790/trump-pardens-binance-founder-changpeng-zhao-ending-biden-administrations-war-on-crypto">pardoned</a> Binance founder Changpeng &#8220;CZ&#8221; Zhao.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: March 6, 2025</h3>



Trump signed an executive order <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44183572/trump-establishes-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-funded-by-forfeited-assets-i-made-the-promise">establishing</a> a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve on March 6, using approximately 200,000 Bitcoin from government seizures worth roughly $17 billion.



White House Crypto Czar David Sacks called it a &#8220;digital Fort Knox&#8221; for Bitcoin, while Coinbase Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="COIN" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN">COIN</a>)</a> CEO Brian Armstrong <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46681312/trumps-bitcoin-reserve-just-legitimized-it-coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-g20-nations-now-rushing-to-build-their-own-btc-stockpiles">called</a> it &#8220;a historic moment for Bitcoin and crypto.&#8221;



However, Polymarket traders assigned almost zero probability the reserve would become operational in 2025, with contracts dropping from over 60% early in the year to just 2% by year-end.



Trump initially promised on March 2 to establish a crypto reserve featuring XRP <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a>, Ethereum <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a>, Solana <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a>, and Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA).



The final order <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44184474/trump-announced-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-to-allow-buying-additional-btc-peter-schiff-doesnt-think-so-but-heres-what-the-order-says">designated</a> these as &#8220;Stockpile Assets&#8221; only, meaning the government could hold or sell them but not purchase.&nbsp;



Bitcoin emerged as the only cryptocurrency the U.S. could actively acquire.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The GENIUS Act: July 19</h3>



Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46508890/trump-signs-genius-act-ending-biden-era-crypto-probes-and-backing-industry-titans">signed</a> the Genius Act on July 19, creating the first federal stablecoin framework requiring full dollar backing and annual audits.



The bill passed the Senate 68-30 after Trump held an Oval Office meeting with 11 Republican holdouts who flipped their votes following the House&#8217;s procedural defeat.



Economist Lynette Zang warned the Act &#8220;changed the global monetary system&#8221; and could trigger hyperinflation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trump vs. China: The Crypto Arms Race</h3>



Trump framed crypto adoption as a battle for global dominance, warning &#8220;I want to make crypto great for America. I don&#8217;t want China to be number one.&#8221;



He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/48620626/donald-trump-says-china-is-getting-big-into-crypto-right-now-but-is-that-true">claimed</a> China was &#8220;getting big into crypto&#8221; despite China banning all digital-asset trading in September 2021 and Chinese miners&#8217; Bitcoin hashrate collapsing from over 70% to near-zero.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Family&#8217;s $1 Billion Crypto Windfall</h3>



World Liberty Financial <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="WLFI" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WLFI-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: WLFI)</a>, Trump&#8217;s family-backed DeFi platform, raised over $550 million by April with the Trump family owning 60%.



The WLFI token debuted Sept. 1, giving the family <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/09/47464992/elizabeth-warren-on-trump-familys-unrealized-5-billion-world-liberty-token-gains-corruption-plain-and-simple">nearly</a> $5 billion in paper wealth before dropping 28% from launch.



The Official TRUMP <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TRUMP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TRUMP-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>)</a> meme coin hit $73.40 with a $14.5 billion market cap on inauguration day before crashing 84-87% to $12-$8 by mid-2025.



Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49128564/elizabeth-warren-calls-trump-most-corrupt-president-citing-memecoin-multi-million-ceo-dinners-and-tax-cuts-for-billionaires">called</a> Trump &#8220;the most corrupt president in our nation&#8217;s history&#8221; and warned the GENIUS Act could &#8220;blow up our entire financial system.&#8221;



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49632494/elizabeth-warren-attacks-trumps-superhighway-of-corruption-recapping-her-most-brutal-crypto">Elizabeth Warren Attacks Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Superhighway Of Corruption&#8217;: Recapping Her Most Brutal Crypto Takedowns In 2025</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Donald Trump's 2025 Crypto Playbook: Here's Every Major Move He Made

Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> remains stuck below $90,000 even as gold and silver hit record highs, but a major shift in derivatives positioning could soon help <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction-oct-14">reverse the trend</a>.



What Happened: In his latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BWXZHfVMc4">podcast</a>, Trader Mayne said on his latest podcast that Bitcoin is in a period of suppressed volatility that is likely to end as 2026 begins.



He pointed to the expiration of a record $27 billion in crypto options on Deribit as a key catalyst. 



Heavy options positioning had "gamma-pinned" Bitcoin between $85,000 and $90,000. 



With much of that exposure now cleared, Mayne believes the constraint on price has eased, setting the stage for a decisive move.



Whales and Retail



On-chain data shows a growing split between large and small holders. 



Whales and firms such as MicroStrategy continue to accumulate, while smaller wallets are selling amid prolonged extreme fear.



Mayne views Bitcoin's underperformance versus gold, silver and equities as a temporary disconnect rather than a structural shift.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49627198/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-pause-ahead-of-fomc-minutes-release">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Pause Ahead Of FOMC Minutes Release</a>



What's Next: Mayne does not expect a straight-line bull market in 2026. He anticipates a strong start to the year, potentially with Bitcoin reclaiming its yearly open and pushing toward $100,000, followed by a weaker second half.



His strategy is to use any early rally to reduce spot exposure, anticipating a deeper downturn later that could create a longer-term buying opportunity once broad monetary stimulus returns.



He also expects U.S. equities to make one final push higher, with the S&amp;P 500 potentially nearing 7,000, a move that could help pull Bitcoin higher in a final "risk-on" rally.



Read Next:



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Bitcoin Stalls As Gold Soars: Will A $27 Billion Options Expiry Trigger A Breakout?

Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> is approaching a critical point in its current market structure, and several cycle‑based indicators suggest a new all‑time high could form as early as April — but only if one key support level holds in the near term.



Cycle Timing Points Toward an April Peak



Historically, Bitcoin tends to make a major move within the 12–18 weeks following a halving event, a window that aligns directly with early‑to‑mid April. This pattern has repeated across multiple cycles and remains one of the strongest structural signals analysts monitor. If this cycle continues to follow that rhythm, Bitcoin's next major peak would fall squarely inside that April window.



BTC Dominance Still Supports a Bitcoin‑First Phase 



Market rotation also supports the timing. Bitcoin dominance remains elevated, a typical sign that the market is still in the "Bitcoin‑first" phase of the cycle. In previous cycles, BTC has led the market into its peak before capital rotated into Ethereum and altcoins. As long as dominance remains firm, the structure favors a Bitcoin‑led move before broader rotation begins.



Technical Structure Aligns With a Move Toward ~$174,000 



From a technical perspective, Bitcoin continues to trade within the upper region of its long‑term logarithmic trend channel. Several structural tools — including Fibonacci extensions and prior‑cycle symmetry — converge around the $170,000–$175,000 region. Within that cluster, the $174,000 region stands out as the next major area of interest. While $174K serves as the generalized structural target, the more precise $173,890 extension may also act as a psychological reaction zone where some traders begin to reduce exposure or take profits.



A Higher‑End Extension Is Possible — But the Conservative Region Remains Key 



While the primary structural target clusters around the $170,000–$175,000 region, some higher‑end extensions allow for an upside scenario toward $180,000–$185,000 if momentum accelerates. Still, the $174,000 area remains the more conservative structural zone, and many analysts may view it as a logical region for profit‑taking or risk management. Looking further ahead, some analysts also caution that a prolonged period of stagflation could create a more challenging macro backdrop, potentially leading to a deeper and more extended correction after the cycle peak.



The Key Condition: BTC Must Hold Above $76,000



While the setup remains constructive, it is not unconditional. A sustained move below $76,000 in the next two weeks would likely invalidate the immediate upside scenario. If that support fails, the structure is effectively broken, which would likely trigger a longer and deeper correction before the market can attempt any meaningful recovery.



What Comes Next



If Bitcoin maintains support above $76,000 through the next two weeks, the cycle, dominance, and technical structure all point toward a potential new all‑time high forming in April — with the $174,000 region emerging as a key area of interest. If that support fails, the bullish timing window closes and the market would likely need a deeper structural reset before continuation.



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Bitcoin's Next ATH May Be Weeks Away —If This Support Level Holds

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/48646007/michael-saylor-led-strategy-unlikely-to-get-liquidated-in-next-bitcoin-bear-market-says-popular-analyst-but-foresees-issues-in-2028">Fears that a drop</a> in Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> to $74,000 would push Michael Saylor's Strategy <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a> toward bankruptcy are largely misplaced, according to fresh analysis.



What Happened: In a recent <a href="https://x.com/BullTheoryio/status/2005698618628665841">post </a>on X, market commentator Bull Theory pointed out that Strategy now functions primarily as a Bitcoin treasury company. 



It holds about 672,497 BTC, valued near $58.7 billion at current prices, against roughly $8.24 billion in total debt.



Even if Bitcoin fell to $74,000, those holdings would still be worth about $49.8 billion, well above the company's liabilities.



Forced Liquidation Fears Misunderstand Strategy's Debt Structure



Strategy does not use margin loans, its Bitcoin is not pledged as collateral, and there are no price-based liquidation triggers. 



Most of its debt consists of unsecured convertible notes, which do not allow lenders to seize Bitcoin if prices decline.



Strategy also holds approximately $2.19 billion in cash, enough to cover about 32 months of dividend and interest obligations, estimated at $750–$800 million annually. 



Its software business continues to generate revenue, and there are no major debt maturities until 2028, giving the company flexibility even in a prolonged downturn.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49627198/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-pause-ahead-of-fomc-minutes-release">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Pause Ahead Of FOMC Minutes Release</a>



Why It Matters: Bull Theory cautioned that longer-term risks remain.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Continued share issuance to fund Bitcoin purchases could lead to dilution, especially if the stock trades below net asset value for an extended period.</li>



<li>Persistent dilution could eventually constrain capital-raising options and, in a severe and prolonged bear market, force management to reconsider its strategy.</li>
</ul>



For now, however, Strategy's liquidity position and balance sheet suggest that a drop to $74,000 in Bitcoin would not threaten its solvency, and its long-term plan remains intact.



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Why Michael Saylor Won't Go Bankrupt Even If Bitcoin Falls To $74,000

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) earlier this year called President Donald Trump&#8217;s crypto ventures an &#8220;$800 million grift&#8221; and a &#8220;superhighway of corruption&#8221; — Benzinga takes a look back at the crypto critic&#8217;s most memorable takes in 2025.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Warren&#8217;s Signature Line: &#8220;Superhighway Of Crypto Corruption&#8221;</h3>



Warren delivered her most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46335273/elizabeth-warren-says-critical-that-trumps-superhighway-of-crypto-corruption-be-shut-down">memorable</a> attack on July 9 at a Senate Banking Committee hearing when she coined the phrase that defined her crusade against Trump&#8217;s crypto ventures.



&#8220;President Trump has made it impossible to have a conversation about cryptocurrency legislation that doesn&#8217;t address his most successful grift yet,&#8221; Warren said.&nbsp;



&#8220;If Congress is going to ratify a sweeping crypto regulatory regime, it is critical we shut down the President&#8217;s superhighway of crypto corruption.&#8221; she added.



The line captured her central argument—that Trump&#8217;s cryptocurrency dealings created unprecedented conflicts of interest threatening democratic norms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;Shady And A National Security Risk&#8221;</h3>



On May 13, she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45399468/elizabeth-warren-calls-out-trump-linked-stablecoin-as-a-national-security-risk-hes-cashing-in-on-foreign-crypto-deals">wrote</a>, "Trump's stablecoin is shady and a national security risk. He's cashing in on foreign crypto deals and weakening guardrails that protect our advanced technology."



The post framed USD1 not just as a financial product, but as a vehicle for personal gain that could undermine U.S. security interests.



Her criticism sharpened during the GENIUS Act floor debate on May 19 when she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45509721/elizabeth-warren-urges-congress-to-vote-against-genius-act-citing-potential-for-trumps-corruptionanthony-scaramucci-warns-democrats-against-political-suicide">warned</a>, "For the first time in history, this bill will make our president the regulator of his own financial product."



She warned that unlike Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a>, which operates without centralized control, USD1 concentrated both financial influence and regulatory power around a sitting president.



Warren added, "If the Congress does not fix it here, it will be aiding and abetting his corruption every time USD1 is used to finance a corrupt deal."



Despite those warnings, the bill passed, a defeat Warren attributed to heavy lobbying pressure from the crypto industry.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The &#8220;$800M Grift&#8221; And &#8220;Most Corrupt President&#8221; Claims</h3>



Warren repeatedly cited investigations alleging the Trump family made over $800 million on crypto ventures in 2025, using the figures to argue Trump was profiting from the presidency.



On November 30, she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/11/49128564/elizabeth-warren-calls-trump-most-corrupt-president-citing-memecoin-multi-million-ceo-dinners-and-tax-cuts-for-billionaires">escalated</a>: &#8220;Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in our nation&#8217;s history.&#8221;



She pointed to Trump&#8217;s involvement with his Official Trump <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TRUMP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TRUMP-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>)</a> meme coin, the USD1 stablecoin, and the $2 billion MGX-Binance deal using USD1—a transaction she argued allowed foreign governments to funnel money directly to the president.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Federal Investigation Demands</h3>



On December 16, Senator Warren formally <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49433092/elizabeth-warren-demands-investigation-into-improper-political-influence-by-trump-ties-to-world-liberty-financial">pressed</a> Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi to open a federal investigation into Donald Trump's crypto-related activities.



Her request focused on PancakeSwap's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CAKE-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CAKE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cake/usd">CAKE</a>)</a> role in promoting Trump-linked tokens and on reports tying the platform to funds stolen by North Korean hackers.



Warren warned that gaps in existing oversight could expose the U.S. financial system to national security risks tied to decentralized exchanges.



Her December 16 letter, requesting answers by January 12, 2026 , suggests the battle will intensify as the CLARITY Act remains stuck in the Senate and Trump&#8217;s crypto wealth continues growing.



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Elizabeth Warren Attacks Trump's 'Superhighway Of Corruption': Recapping Her Most Brutal Crypto Takedowns In 2025

Dogecoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a> and Shiba Inu <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SHIB" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHIB-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</a>are down roughly 16% each over the past month amid broader crypto market volatility, but on-chain and technical indicators suggest investor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dogecoin-doge-price-prediction">confidence remains intact</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.1236</td><td>$20.8 billion</td><td>-5%</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.057157</td><td>$4.2 billion</td><td>+0.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Pepe</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</td><td>$0.054119</td><td>$1.7 billion</td><td>+4.1%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Crypto trader Javon Marks <a href="https://x.com/JavonTM1/status/2005757075058524603">said</a> Dogecoin's primary breakout target remains $0.6533, about 401% above current levels. 



He noted that DOGE has respected a broader uptrend structure since early 2022, signaling the potential for another impulsive move higher.



A rally to $0.6533 would represent more than a fivefold gain, while a decisive breakout above that level could open the door to a move toward $1.2511.



Statistics: Data from Shibburn shows SHIB's burn rate surged 2,566.4% over the past 24 hours, with roughly 3.4 million tokens removed from circulation.



Meanwhile, Bitinfocharts data indicates growth in addresses holding between 0–0.1 and 0.1–1 DOGE over the past month, suggesting steady accumulation by smaller holders despite price weakness.



Community News: Shiba Inu recently <a href="https://x.com/TheShibmagazine/status/2005681683518079249">announced</a> a formal on-chain restitution initiative dubbed "Shib Owes You" (SOU), aimed at compensating users affected by a security exploit earlier this year. 



The plan replaces informal recovery efforts with a structured, blockchain-based system. Losses will be tokenized as dynamic NFTs on Ethereum, representing immutable and transferable claims on repayment.



Overall, the initiative marks a shift toward transparent, enforceable on-chain debt management, supported by tighter cost controls and centralized revenue allocation.



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Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Tank 16% In December: What Is Going On?

Mike Novogratz warns the16,703 active addresses holding XRP <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a> can&#8217;t justify its $115 billion market cap, but social media chatter is nevertheless debating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49625546/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-etfs-had-a-huge-2025-but-why-are-prices-not-going-up">major institutional accumulation</a>.



What Happened: Galaxy Digital <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GLXY" data-exchange="TSX" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLXY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GLXY">GLXY</a>)</a> founder and CEO Mike Novogratz challenged XRP and Cardano <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ADA" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ADA-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ada/usd">ADA</a>)</a> to <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/12/29/xrp-and-cardano-need-to-prove-they-re-useful-beyond-just-fans-mike-novogratz-says">demonstrate</a> genuine utility beyond loyal communities as the cryptocurrency market matures from hype-driven narratives to fundamentals-focused assets.



&#8220;Can Ripple hold it together? Can Cardano hold it together?&#8221; Novogratz said during a conversation with Galaxy&#8217;s Head of Research Alex Thorn on Friday.



He highlighted that while XRP and Cardano boast resilient fan bases, their on-chain activity remains relatively weak.



&#8220;Charles Hoskinson, bless his soul, he&#8217;s kept the Cardano community with a blockchain that people don&#8217;t really use a lot,&#8221; Novogratz said.&nbsp;



&#8220;Can you keep it together when there are more and more options?&#8221; he added.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bull Case: &#8216;Shadow Price&#8217; And Triple-Digit Dreams</h3>



DAG Family Office CEO Jake Claver <a href="https://x.com/beyond_broke/status/2005176462442221847?s=20">claimed</a> on X that &#8220;major institutions are stacking up XRP behind the scenes while keeping the public in the dark. The current price is merely a shadow of what&#8217;s coming.&#8221;



He argues that XRP will transform into &#8220;the foundation of international finance&#8221; and offers &#8220;nothing in crypto space offers this level of certainty and potential for massive returns.&#8221;



In December itself, Claver <a href="https://x.com/beyond_broke/status/2004051561828290779">said</a> he was "99.99999% confident" XRP would make a major move before year-end and reiterated his belief that the token could eventually reach triple-digit prices, citing ETF expansion, shifting global liquidity, regulatory clarity, and macroeconomic disruptions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Numbers Don&#8217;t Lie</h3>



On-chain metrics underscore Novogratz&#8217;s concerns as the number of active XRP addresses was 16,703, according to data source CryptoQuant.



Cardano&#8217;s active addresses tallied over 19,000.&nbsp;



Both numbers are significantly lower than Solana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a>, which typically sees millions in active addresses driven by DeFi, memes, and apps.



Yet the market cap rankings tell a different story.&nbsp;



Solana, despite its far higher network usage, sits seventh globally with a market value near $72 billion.&nbsp;



XRP, by contrast, ranks fifth with a market capitalization around $115 billion, while Cardano's ADA, with similarly muted activity, trades near $13–14 billion and holds roughly the 12th spot.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Shift To Business Fundamentals</h3>



Novogratz argued the broader market is evolving: Tokens that aren&#8217;t &#8220;money&#8221; like Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> will be valued like traditional businesses based on revenue, usage, and measurable value.



He contrasted community-driven tokens with emerging examples like Hyperliquid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HYPE-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="HYPE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">HYPE</a>)</a>, a decentralized perpetuals exchange that generates real revenue and burns most profits to buy back its token, creating equity-like economics.



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Image: Shutterstock

Do XRP's 16,000 Active Addresses Justify The $115B Market Cap? No Way, Says Mike Novogratz

The Financial Accounting Standards Board is tackling cryptocurrency accounting challenges that have plagued institutional investors for years. Two major digital asset projects on its 2026 technical agenda could finally deliver the clarity mainstream financial institutions have been demanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Era Of Transparency Began In 2024</h2>



The accounting profession&#8217;s approach to digital assets underwent a major transformation when FASB released <a href="https://www.fasb.org/page/Document?pdf=ASU+2023-08.pdf&amp;title=ACCOUNTING+STANDARDS+UPDATE+2023-08%E2%80%94Intangibles%E2%80%94Goodwill+and+Other%E2%80%94Crypto+Assets+(Subtopic+350-60):+Accounting+for+and+Disclosure+of+Crypto+Assets" rel="nofollow">Accounting Standards Update 2023-08</a> back in December 2023. Taking effect for fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024, this guidance introduced fair value measurement requirements for cryptocurrency holdings, with valuation adjustments hitting the income statement each reporting period.



Before this change, companies classified digital currencies like Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and Ethereum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, displaying holdings at original purchase price and marking them down only when impairment occurred. Price appreciation went unrecorded until sale.



Fair value accounting changes everything. Companies must now report cryptocurrency at current market valuations quarterly. When Bitcoin holdings jump from $10 million to $12 million, that $2 million increase appears immediately. This transparency is helping <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45791691/bitcoin-adoption-makes-2025-a-watershed-year-for-crypto-bitwise-ceo-hunter-horsley-says">drive institutional adoption</a> across corporate treasuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two Critical Questions Face The Board</h2>



FASB&#8217;s 2026 work plan addresses pressing concerns that emerged after stakeholders began implementing the 2023 standard. The first project examines whether specific stablecoins should receive classification as cash equivalents under generally accepted accounting principles. The second focuses on how entities should handle transfers involving digital assets, especially wrapped tokens and receipt tokens generated through staking.



Determining stablecoin treatment has massive practical consequences. Assets classified as cash equivalents get streamlined balance sheet presentation and avoid ongoing fair value adjustments. Should major stablecoins such as Tether <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDT-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDT" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>)</a> or USD Coin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>)</a> earn this designation, corporations could integrate them into treasury operations without complicated valuation protocols.



The transfer accounting initiative tackles questions about when ownership actually changes hands in wrapped token transactions and staking protocols. The board added the stablecoin question to its technical agenda last August and followed with the transfer accounting project in November, demonstrating how quickly market needs are evolving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Policy Changes Created Momentum</h2>



Throughout 2025, policymakers dismantled several obstacles that had discouraged financial institutions from offering crypto services. The Securities and Exchange Commission took a major step in January 2025 by withdrawing <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-17" rel="nofollow">Staff Accounting Bulletin 121</a> through its replacement, SAB 122. The original bulletin had forced banks holding customer cryptocurrency to list the entire value as both an asset and a matching liability on their balance sheets, requiring institutions to hold capital reserves against digital assets they didn&#8217;t actually own.



SAB 122 eliminated this approach, allowing firms to apply conventional loss contingency frameworks instead. On that same January day, President Donald Trump issued an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve alongside a broader Digital Asset Stockpile. The reserve consolidated more than 200,000 Bitcoin under Treasury management, effectively treating the cryptocurrency as a sovereign reserve asset.



Congress added its own contribution last July by enacting the GENIUS Act, which established federal oversight for stablecoin issuers. The legislation mandates full backing with U.S. dollars or highly liquid equivalents, requires published reserve audits, and imposes anti money laundering compliance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Corporations Are Moving Fast</h2>



These regulatory and accounting developments coincided with explosive growth in corporate digital asset adoption during 2025. MicroStrategy Incorporated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a>, the pioneer of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43104549/microstrategy-buys-11000-bitcoin-total-holdings-reach-461000-btc">corporate Bitcoin treasury strategies</a>, now holds 672,497 Bitcoin worth approximately $58 billion as of December 2025, acquired for a total of $50.44 billion.



Traditional Wall Street players joined the movement. BlackRock Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BLK" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BLK" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BLK">BLK</a>)</a> brought its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF to market, accumulating substantial assets during its first year. Data shows over 160 institutional holders now collectively maintain Bitcoin treasuries worth approximately $150 billion.



When Coinbase and EY Parthenon surveyed 352 institutional investors, they found 83% planning to increase crypto allocations in 2025, with 59% targeting positions exceeding 5% of total assets under management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real World Impact Of Better Standards</h2>



Clear accounting rules enable meaningful comparisons between companies, reduce reporting complexity, and eliminate objections that risk averse finance teams use to reject digital asset proposals.



Picture a corporate treasurer weighing whether to allocate 2% of cash reserves to Bitcoin. Under the previous framework, every market decline triggered impairment charges while rallies produced no reportable benefit, making positions appear excessively risky on paper.



Fair value treatment creates symmetry by running both gains and losses through the income statement. While some executives dislike earnings volatility, the approach accurately captures asset price fluctuations.



The stablecoin classification question carries practical weight because the answer determines whether companies can deploy these digital dollars for routine business operations. If regulators grant cash equivalent status to leading stablecoins, firms could settle vendor invoices in USDC or park working capital in digital dollars with accounting simplicity comparable to money market funds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Implementation Will Take Time</h2>



Adding projects to FASB&#8217;s technical agenda starts a lengthy process. The board will deliberate both crypto initiatives during 2026, with final guidance likely not taking effect until 2027 or 2028.



Companies aren&#8217;t waiting for complete guidance. Infrastructure has matured with major institutions offering custody services, audit ready reporting platforms, and institutional grade staking.



The combination of improving standards, supportive regulation, and operational maturity is setting the stage for accelerated institutional adoption. FASB&#8217;s 2026 agenda signals that accountants recognize this evolution and plan to deliver the frameworks institutions need.



Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

FASB's Crypto Accounting Focus In 2026: A Turning Point For Institutional Adoption?

Bitcoin is trading around $87,000 on Tuesday as liquidations stand at $188.74 million over the past 24 hours.    



Bitcoin ETFs saw $19.3 million in net outflows on Monday, while Ethereum ETFs reported $9.63 million in net outflows.



What's Holding Markets Back



Michael van de Poppe <a href="https://x.com/CryptoMichNL/status/2005930348819939366">said</a> Bitcoin continues to face rejection above $88,000 and remains locked in a multi-week consolidation range. 



While prolonged compression often precedes a major move, he stressed that patience is required until a clear breakout or breakdown emerges.



Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/alicharts/status/2005746395614269805">noted</a> that Bitcoin printed a death cross between the 10-week and 50-week simple moving averages about three weeks ago. 



The pattern is historically bearish and signals weakening momentum.



Ted Pillows <a href="https://x.com/TedPillows/status/2005922868685857140">said</a> the release of the FOMC minutes could trigger short-term volatility. 



For any sustained upside, Ethereum must reclaim and hold above the $3,000 level, which he identified as a key pivot.



Crypto Tony <a href="https://x.com/CryptoTony__/status/2005953761689362620">highlighted</a> $118 as a critical support level for Solana. A clean break below this zone would significantly weaken its technical structure.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td> Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a></td><td>$87,823.98</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a></td><td>$2,972.70</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a></td><td>$124.19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a></td><td>$1.85</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The broader meme coin market slipped 0.9% to a total market capitalization of $42.2 billion.



Crypto trader Javon Marks <a href="https://x.com/JavonTM1/status/2005757075058524603">said</a> Dogecoin's breakout target stands near $0.6533, representing roughly 401% upside from current levels. 



He added that price action since early 2022 continues to suggest a broader uptrend. 



A decisive move above $0.6533 could open the door to a rally toward $1.25.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a></td><td>$0.1245</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHIB" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SHIB" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</a></td><td>$0.057186</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Pause Ahead Of FOMC Minutes Release

Alt: Bitcoin Saw Turbulence Through 2025,&nbsp;But Long-Term Trends Point to Resilience, Outperformance Versus Key Assets



Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> is poised to close the year lower (unless there&#8217;s a miracle), as bullish momentum faded into bearish dread in the last quarter of 2025. Yet, on zooming out, the leading cryptocurrency&#8217;s growth trajectory appears impressively strong.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin&#8217;s 2025 Plunge</h2>



Bitcoin&#8217;s 2025 journey has been like a roller coaster, with its price tumbling from an October peak of $126,000 to a low of $80,000 and currently consolidating in the $86,000-$90,000 range.



The apex cryptocurrency erased all of its 2025 gains in the latest meltdown, and currently trades more than 30% below its all-time highs.



The slump crushed expectations, and how. Bitcoin has sunk 23% in the fourth quarter, which has historically averaged returns of more than 77%.



This period also saw a resurgence in Bitcoin obituaries — instances when critics declared the end of the apex cryptocurrency. As many as nine such obituaries surfaced in the fourth quarter, <a href="https://bitcoindeaths.com/">according </a>to Bitcoindeaths.com



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49564391/strategy-ceo-says-big-banks-are-scrambling-to-build-bitcoin-services">Strategy CEO Says Big Banks Are Scrambling To Build Bitcoin Services</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Decade Of Dominance</h2>



While Bitcoin did not have the best 2025, it remains the top major asset over the past decade, far outpacing gold and stock benchmarks like the S&amp;P 500.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Asset</td><td>2-Year Gains +/-</td><td>5-Year Gains +/-</td><td>10-Year Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>+101%</td><td>+240%</td><td>+20,448%</td></tr><tr><td>Gold</td><td>+119%</td><td>+139%</td><td>+318%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>+45%</td><td>+85%</td><td>+235%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Another way to assess an asset&#8217;s resilience is how well it bounces from cyclical lows. 



During the cryptocurrency winter of 2022, Bitcoin crashed to a low of $16,000. However, it held steady, endured market volatility, and has since surged over 440%



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Are The Bullish Catalysts?</h2>



Beneath the surface volatility, Bitcoin has received significant mainstream validation. According to SoSo Value, institutional <a href="https://sosovalue.com/assets/etf/us-btc-spot">inflows </a>into spot exchange-traded funds have exceeded $57 billion, with total assets under management worth $114 billion.



Regulatory tailwinds could also power the asset in the near term, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49355382/tim-scott-highlights-real-progress-on-crypto-bill-after-democrats-question-stablecoin-yields-elected-officials-digital-asset-activities">as discussions on the cryptocurrency market structure bill</a>, aimed at establishing clear rules for the industry in the U.S., advance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Experts Predict For 2026?</h2>



Tom Lee, Wall Street veteran and Fundstrat analyst,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49526889/tom-lee-addresses-fundstrats-diverging-bitcoin-predictions-amid-controversy-on-x"> predicted Bitcoin would hit new all-time highs</a> by the end of January and could surpass $250,000 within months. He also said that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49411946/tom-lee-predicts-10-15-downside-for-stocks-in-early-2026-here-is-why-the-ethereum-bull-sees-cryptos-best-years-ahead"> "the best years&#8221;</a> of the cryptocurrency market are&nbsp;ahead of us.



Grayscale, a prominent digital asset management firm, echoed this prediction, stating that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49413295/quantum-computing-will-not-meaningfully-influence-crypto-prices-including-bitcoin-in-2026-predicts-grayscale"> Bitcoin could exceed its previous high in the first half of the year</a>.



It&#8217;s worth pointing out that Sean Farrell, Fundstrat's head of digital asset strategy, issued a contrasting prediction to Lee, indicating that the asset might retrace to the $60,000-$65,000 level by early 2026.



Meanwhile, Galaxy Digital CEO&nbsp;Mike Novogratz said that Bitcoin<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49578613/anthony-scaramucci-asks-mike-novogratz-about-bitcoins-2026-prospects-here-is-what-the-galaxy-ceo-said-about-btc-and-its-belief-system"> has got more "healing to do"</a> and cautioned against going bullish unless the asset breaks $100,000. He, however, expressed confidence that Bitcoin has not yet seen its all-time high and the belief system is unlikely to fade anytime soon.



Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $89,140.29, up 6.02% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Photo Courtesy: vinnstock on Shutterstock.com



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