Erika Kirk has announced that she is to meet privately with commentator Candace Owens marking the first direct conversation between the two after a period of public discussion and differing perspectives that emerged after her late husband’s death.
Kirk shared the update in a brief statement on X on Sunday, saying both women had agreed to pause all public commentary until after the meeting.
‘Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15,’ Erika said.
‘@RealCandaceO and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation. Thank you,’ Erika added.
The planned discussion between Erika and the former Turning Point USA employee reflects an effort by the women to address weeks of mounting tensions over conspiracy theories online in a more thoughtful and personal setting.
At a recent CBS town hall Erika expressed the emotional toll of widespread online speculation surrounding her husband’s passing, ‘Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop.’ when asked what she had to say to people making unfounded claims.
‘When you go after my family, my Turning Point USA family, my Charlie Kirk Show family, when you go after the people that I love, and you’re making hundreds and thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love because somehow they’re in on this, no,’ Erika also said on ‘Outnumbered’ Dec. 10.
The relationship between the two women has deteriorated sharply in recent months, despite their earlier history of collaboration and personal friendship.
The recent events have placed them on different sides of a sensitive moment and their decision to meet privately shows signs of a mutual desire to speak directly while reducing misunderstandings and avoiding further speculation.
Kirk, who now leads TPUSA, has been focused publicly on preserving her husband Charlie Kirk’s legacy since his tragic death in September.
The Nikkei 225 Index dropped by 1.30% on Monday as traders waited for the upcoming Bank of Japan (BoJ) interest rate decision. It also dropped as Japan tech companies dropped amid AI jitters and as bond yields rose. It was trading at ¥50,207, down from the year-to-date high of ¥52,635.
Nikkei 225 Index slips as odds of BoJ rate hike jump
The Nikkei 225 Index, which tracks the biggest Japanese companies, retreated by 1.30% as traders anticipated the upcoming BoJ interest rate decision, which will happen on Friday.
Economists polled by Reuters expect the bank to hike interest rates by 0.25% for the first time in eleven months. Odds that the BoJ will hike interest rates have jumped to 97% on Polymarket.
BoJ rate hike odds | Source: Polymarket
These rising odds explain why the Japanese yen has rebounded in the past few days. The USD/JPY exchange rate has moved to 155.13, down from the year-to-date high of 157.76.
Similarly, the ten-year yield rose to 1.96%, a few points below the year-to-date high of 1.981%, and much higher than the year-to-date low of 1.058%. Japan’s five-year yield rose to 1.433%, up from the YTD low of 0.683%.
The bank has hinted that it will hike interest rates by 0.5% as inflation has remained at an elevated level. Its most recent report showed that Tokyo’s core CPI rose to 3.1%. Japan’s headline inflation remained at 3%.
Japan’s inflation will likely remain at an elevated level now that the current prime minister has requested billions of dollars in stimulus package.
The BoJ will also hike rates to combat the deteriorating Japanese yen, which has dropped to 155 from 139.90.
Softbank stock price has crashed amid AI jitters
The Nikkei 225 Index has also slumped because of the ongoing Softbank stock price crash. Softbank, one of the biggest constituent companies, has dropped by nearly 40% from its highest point this year.
It has crashed because it is one of the biggest players in the AI industry. For example, it is a member of the Stargate project, which is building large data centers in the United States.
The company has also committed to investing billions of dollars in OpenAI, a firm that has fueled the ongoing AI boom. Therefore, the ongoing Softbank stock price crash mirrors the performance of other firms in the industry like Oracle, Broadcom, and Nvidia.
The other top laggards in the Nikkei 225 Index were companies like Japan Steel Works, Advantest, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Fujikura, and Nippon Steel.
On the other hand, the top gainers were companies like AEON, East Japan Railway, Mercari, Recruit, Toho, and Toyota Tsusho, which jumped by over 3%.
Nikkei 225 technical analysis
Nikkei 225 Index chart | Source: TradingView
The three-day chart shows that the Nikkei 225 Index formed a double-bottom pattern at ¥31,145 and a neckline at ¥422,385, its highest point in July 2024. It has remained above that level since August this year.
The index has remained above all moving averages, a sign that bulls are in control. Recently, however, the stock has pulled back. A closer look shows that it has formed a small bullish pennant pattern, a common continuation sign.
Therefore, the index will likely have a bullish breakout, with the next point to watch being the year-to-date high of ¥52,590. A move above that level will point to more gains, potentially to the resistance at ¥53,000.
The post Nikkei 225 Index forecast as BoJ interest rate hike odds hits 97% appeared first on Invezz
The XRP price remained in a deep bear market after falling sharply from the year-to-date high of $3.6500 to the current $2.0. This crash has pushed its market cap to $120 billion from the year-to-date high of nearly $200 billion. So, will the Ripple price rebound or continue the downward trajectory?
XRP price technical analysis suggests more downside
The three-day chart shows that the XRP price come under intense pressure in the past few months, moving from a high of $3.6500 in July to the current $2.
It has tumbled to the 50% Fibonacci Retracement level. At the same time, the token is nearing a death cross pattern, which happens when the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA) cross each other. Such a move will lead to more downside.
XRP price has also formed a double-top pattern at $3.3900 and a neckline at $1.6278, its lowest level on April 7. This neckline has coincided with the 61.8% Fibonacci Retracement level.
Therefore, the most likely scenario is where the XRP price will continue falling as sellers target the key support at $1.6278, which is about 20% below the current level. A drop below that level will point to more downside, potentially to the psychological level at $1.50.
On the flip side, a move above the 38.2% retracement level will invalidate the bearish outlook and point to more gains, potentially to the psychological level at $3.
XRP price chart | Source: TradingView
Ripple price has crashed despite key news
The ongoing XRP price crash has coincided with the ongoing performance of Bitcoin and other altcoins. The Bitcoin price has dropped from $126,200 earlier this year to the current $90,000. Other tokens like Cardano, Solana, and Polygon have all crashed in the past few months.
The ongoing headwinds in the crypto industry have outweighed the important Ripple news.
For example, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted Ripple Labs a bank charter last Friday, a move that will help it offer more services to other companies. For example, the bank charter will help it save money by moving its Ripple USD (RLUSD) assets from BNY to its new bank.
HUGE news! @Ripple just received conditional approval from the @USOCC to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. This is a massive step forward – first for $RLUSD, setting the highest standard for stablecoin compliance with both federal (OCC) & state (NYDFS) oversight.
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Meanwhile, more data shows that demand for XRP ETFs remains at an elevated level, with data showing that inflows jumped to nearly $1 billion a few weeks after their launch. XRP ETFs have become some of the fastest-growing funds in the crypto industry.
XRP has had some other positive news in the past few weeks, including the recent investment by Citadel and Fortress. It also completed the acquisitions of four companies, GTreasury, Palisade, Rail, and Hidden Road.
These acquisitions are meant to provide infrastructure in the financial services industry, including creating utility for the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin.
Meanwhile, Ripple partnered with AMINA Bank, a move that will see it using its technology for real-time cross-border solutions. In a statement, the Chief Product Officer at the bank said:
“Our clients need payment infrastructure that can handle both fiat and stablecoin rails simultaneously, but traditional correspondent banking networks weren’t designed to support this.”
The XRP price has also stagnated despite the ending of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) vs Ripple case, and the recent statement by Hex Trust that will see it expanding it to Solana and Ethereum.
It is common for a cryptocurrency with solid fundamentals to underperform the market when there is a bear market. For example, Polygon price has slumped to a record low despite its number of transactions and active addresses soaring to a record high.
Similarly, Avalanche (AVAX) price has dived despite its rapid network growth and partnerships with key companies like Toyota and Skybridge Capital.
The post XRP price prediction: at risk of a crash despite bullish Ripple news appeared first on Invezz
The IAG share price had a strong performance in 2025, continuing a trend that began in 2024, when it was one of the best-performing companies in the FTSE 100 Index. It jumped by ~40% this year, pushing its market capitalization to over £18 billion.
IAG stock outperformed other top airlines this year, with Delta rising by 17% and United Airlines soaring by 8.40%. The closely-watched US Global Jets ETF (JET) was up by 10%.
IAG share price jumped amid robust performance
IAG, the parent company of top airlines like British Airlines, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, has done well this year, helped by its sustained growth and the ongoing shareholder returns.
The most recent results showed that the company’s business continued to outperform analysts’ forecasts. Its results revealed that its revenue rose to €25 billion in the first nine months of the year, up by nearly 5% from the same period last year.
The company’s profitability growth accelerated at a faster pace than revenue, helped by improved efficiency. Its operating profit rose by 18.3% to €3.9 billion, which was much higher than what analysts were expecting.
IAG’s profit-after-tax rose by 15% to €2.7 billion, while the earnings per share (EPS) jumped by 20.2% to €57.2. This growth happened as its key regions, especially the North Atlantic and Europe, continued the bullish momentum.
IAG has increased its North Atlantic capacity across its key brands like British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. While the United States is its most important market, the company is also focusing on the Latin American region.
It has increased its fleet and routes
Additionally, the company has continued to add new routes as demand for its services jumped. Its Aer Lingus brand expanded to Indianapolis, Nashville, and Minneapolis, while British Airways expanded to Milan and Kuala Lumpur.
IAG share price has also done well as the management has worked to boost its balance sheet. It ended the last quarter with over £8.7 billion in cash and equivalents, while its borrowings improved to £14.7 billion from the previous £17.34 billion.
The company has committed to continuing to reduce its leverage, while also expanding its fleet with a $13 billion Boeing order. This performance has also given it the flexibility to continue its shareholder returns. It recently completed a €1 billion share buyback that has reduced its outstanding shares.
At the same time, the company has continued paying dividends, with its current yield being about 2.7%. The company has hinted that it will keep rising its payouts.
IAG stock price technical analysis
IAG stock price chart | Source: TradingView
The daily chart shows that the IAG stock price has been in a strong uptrend this year, moving from a low of 205.9p in April to the current 400p. It jumped to a high of 425p on November 3 and then dropped to 362p after earnings.
It formed a double-bottom pattern at 362p and has now filled the gap as it moves close to its all-time high. The stock remains above all moving averages and the Supertrend indicator.
Therefore, the most likely scenario is where it keeps rising, with the next key level to watch being at 425p. A move above that level will point to more gains, potentially to the psychological point at 500p.
The post Here’s why the IAG share price jumped ~40% in 2025 appeared first on Invezz
The Fresnillo share price has jumped by ~380% this year, making it the best-performing company in the FTSE 100 Index. It has done better than the Footsie and other companies in the index. For example, Airtel Africa, the second-best performer, has jumped by 170% this year.
Fresnillo share price chart | Source: TradingView
Soaring gold and silver boosted the Fresnillo share price
The main reason why the Fresnillo share price surged this year is that it is involved in gold and silver prices.
As a result, it benefited as these precious metals soared to their record highs. Silver price jumped by 120%, while gold was up by 65% in their best years in a long time.
Gold, silver, and other precious metals well because of the rising demand from around the world.
Central banks from countries like China and Russia continued buying gold this year as part of their diversification strategy away from the US dollar.
The soaring demand was also from private companies. For example, Tether, the company behind the biggest stablecoin, bought over 116 metric tons of gold, which are currently worth about $15 billion.
Tether bought this gold as part of its strategy to back USDT and Tether Gold, which has a market capitalization of over $1.4 billion. Unlike other stablecoins like USDC, RLUSD, and PYUSD, USDT is backed by a portfolio of assets like gold, Bitcoin, and short-term government bonds
Meanwhile, data shows that gold and silver ETF inflows have done well this year. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has had over $20 billion in inflows, while the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) ETF has brought in over $2.6 billion in inflows this year.
Silver price has done better than gold because of the close correlation between the two assets. In most cases, the silver price normally does better than gold when the latter is rising, and then lags when it is falling.
The two metals have done well because of the actions of the Federal Reserve and other central banks. The Fed has slashed interest rates three times, while other top ones like the European Central Bank (ECB), the Swiss National Bank (SNB), and Bank of England have lowered rates in this period.
Fresnillo’s business has benefited from gold and silver prices gains
The Fresnillo stock price has soared as the company has benefited from the ongoing performance of these precious metals. That’s because it is one of the biggest silver miners in the world.
The most recent results showed that the company’s revenue rose by 27% in the first half of the fiscal year. This growth was because of the elevated prices and gold production, which was offset by lower silver supply.
Most importantly, the surge in revenue happened as the company was reducing its costs. The adjusted production cost dropped by 20% to $673 million, helped by the Mexican peso devaluation.
Fresnillo’s profit jumped by 297% to $467 million, while the free cash flow rose to $1.02 billion. As a result, the company boosted its balance sheet, with amount of cash in its balance sheet hitting $1.8 billion.
Will the Fresnillo stock price surge continue?
The question among investors is whether the Fresnillo stock price has more upside to go in the coming year.
This performance will depend on the performance of gold and silver prices during the year. Some analysts believe that these two metals have more upside as the Fed has committed to cut interest rates and implementing a quantitative easing policy.
As a result, some analysts see gold soaring to as high as $5000 and silver hitting the key resistance level at $100. Such a move will help to boost its stock performance.
However, it is worth noting that precious metals are usually cyclical and a surge in one year is accompanied by a drop in the following year.
Therefore, there is a risk that the Fresnillo share price will pull back in the coming weeks or months as investors start to book profits.
READ MORE: Top 5 reasons gold price is on a relentless bull run
The post Here’s why this FTSE 100 Index stock jumped ~380% in 2025 appeared first on Invezz
The post Japan Begins Decades-Long ETF Sell-Off in January appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Bank of Japan plans to begin selling its ETF holdings worth ¥83 trillion ($534 billion) as early as January. The sales will happen very slowly, with about ¥330 billion sold each year, meaning it could take more than 100 years to fully exit. The ETFs have a book value of ¥37.1 trillion. This gradual strategy is designed to avoid market shocks and ensure stability while the central bank slowly unwinds its stimulus-era investments.
The post Doha Bank Goes Live With $150M Digital Bond as Gulf Embraces Tokenized Finance appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Across Doha and the wider Gulf region, market sentiment is steadily shifting toward digital finance. Banks, regulators, and investors are no longer just watching tokenization trends from the sidelines. There is growing confidence that digital tools can improve speed, efficiency, and transparency without disrupting trusted financial systems. This changing mood has now translated into real action, with Doha Bank stepping forward to execute a fully digital bond deal.
Doha Bank Makes a Strategic Move
Doha Bank has issued a $150 million digital bond, marking an important moment for the region’s capital markets. Instead of running a pilot or test project, the bank went straight into live issuance. The bond was built and settled using Euroclear’s distributed ledger technology platform, signaling that digital infrastructure is ready for large, regulated transactions.
This move shows how traditional banks are adopting new technology while staying firmly within established financial frameworks. The focus is not on crypto speculation, but on improving how bonds are issued, settled, and managed.
Same-Day Settlement Changes the Game
One of the standout features of the deal was instant settlement. The bond was listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market and settled on the same day, known as T+0 settlement. In normal bond markets, settlement can take several days, tying up capital and increasing operational risk.
By using DLT, Doha Bank removed much of this friction. Transactions were recorded instantly, ownership was clear, and settlement was completed without delay. Standard Chartered played a central role as the sole global coordinator and arranger, overseeing the structuring, execution, and distribution of the bond.
BREAKING: JPMorgan Debuts Ethereum Tokenized Money-Market Fund
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Why Permissioned DLT Was Chosen
Rather than using a public blockchain, the bond was issued on a permissioned DLT system run by Euroclear. This choice reflects a clear industry preference. Regulated platforms offer controlled access, legal certainty, and seamless integration with existing custody and settlement systems.
For institutional investors, this matters. They get the efficiency benefits of digital assets while maintaining the safeguards they expect from traditional markets. Euroclear highlighted that this structure proves digital bonds can be fast, secure, and fully compliant at the same time.
Part of a Regional Infrastructure Upgrade
The deal fits into a wider regional effort to modernize financial infrastructure. Across the Middle East and Asia, banks are embedding DLT into existing systems instead of building entirely new crypto-native markets. Platforms from major institutions like HSBC and JPMorgan are being used in a similar way, helping tokenized bonds connect smoothly with familiar post-trade processes.
According to Standard Chartered, client interest in digital issuance is rising quickly. Institutions are no longer just curious about tokenization. They are actively using it to improve how capital markets function. Doha Bank’s digital bond adds to a growing list of live issuances and signals that tokenization is becoming a practical tool, not just a concept. For regulated markets, permissioned DLT now looks like the preferred path forward.
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
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FAQs
What is a digital bond?
A digital bond is a traditional bond issued using blockchain technology, improving settlement speed and transparency while operating within regulated financial systems, like Doha Bank’s recent issuance.
How does a digital bond settlement work?
Digital bonds can settle instantly (T+0) on a distributed ledger, unlike traditional bonds which take days. This reduces capital lock-up and operational risk for banks and investors.
What are the benefits of tokenizing bonds?
Tokenization makes bonds faster to settle, increases transparency of ownership, and improves operational efficiency, all while maintaining the safeguards of the traditional regulated market.
Is Qatar adopting digital finance?
Yes, Qatar’s financial sector is actively adopting digital finance, as shown by Doha Bank’s live digital bond deal, part of a wider Gulf region shift to modernize capital markets with blockchain technology.
The post Crypto News Today [LIVE] Updates On Dec 15, 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
December 15, 2025 12:38:59 UTC
XRP Price Today Tests Key Support as ETF Demand and Ripple News Boost Outlook
XRP is down 1% in the past 24 hours, trading near $1.99. A break below the $1.96 support could trigger further downside, while holding above this level may open the path toward the next resistance at $2.35. On the fundamentals side, momentum remains strong as XRP prepares to launch as wXRP on Ethereum, Solana, Optimism, and HyperEVM, with more chains planned. Adding to the bullish backdrop, Ripple Labs received a bank charter from the OCC, and US spot XRP ETFs saw over $100 million in inflows last week, with total inflows nearing $1 billion since launch.
December 15, 2025 12:36:48 UTC
Ripple Makes NYT Front Page as SEC Eases Crypto Enforcement
Ripple Labs appeared on the front page of The New York Times on December 15, 2025, as the paper reported a shift in the U.S. SEC’s approach toward crypto enforcement. According to the report, the SEC has eased enforcement actions and reduced penalties, including moves related to Ripple. The article highlights a broader pullback by the regulator, signaling a notable change in how U.S. authorities are handling major crypto firms.
Ripple on the Front page of The New York Times today. December 15, 2025
Reports The SEC eased enforcement and reduced penalties involving @Ripple Labs. pic.twitter.com/oKy4poTHig
— 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸XRP (@BankXRP) December 15, 2025
December 15, 2025 12:34:42 UTC
Visa Launches Stablecoins Advisory Practice
Visa has launched a Stablecoins Advisory Practice aimed at helping banks, fintechs, and enterprises design and implement stablecoin strategies. The new service will support use cases such as cross-border payments and B2B transactions, as Visa deepens its expansion into the stablecoin ecosystem and digital payments infrastructure.
December 15, 2025 11:56:43 UTC
Japan to Begin $534B Stock Sell-Off
The Bank of Japan is preparing to gradually sell its massive ¥83 trillion ($534 billion) ETF holdings starting next month. Regulators plan an ultra-slow pace of ¥330 billion per year to avoid market shocks. At this rate, the historic exit strategy could stretch over 100 years, marking one of the slowest and largest unwind plans in financial history. Markets will be closely watching for any early impacts on liquidity and asset prices.
December 15, 2025 11:56:43 UTC
Bitcoin at a Crossroads Amid Mixed Signals
$BTC faces a critical juncture as experts and institutions diverge on its next move. Peter Brandt warns that the parabolic structure is broken, signaling potential for a deeper correction. Meanwhile, Grayscale views the current phase as consolidation ahead of a possible new all-time high in 2026. With rising leverage and major macro events on the horizon, traders are reminded that patience and positioning matter more than predictions in such uncertain markets.
December 15, 2025 11:55:38 UTC
Key Crypto Market Events to Watch This Week
This week is packed with potential market movers. On Monday, the Fed conducts a $7B T-bill purchase, followed by key US macro data on Tuesday. Wednesday brings a Fed president speech, while jobless claims are due Thursday. The week wraps up with Japan’s rate decision on Friday. With liquidity and policy signals lining up back to back, market reactions this week could set the tone for the near term.
December 15, 2025 11:48:08 UTC
Bitcoin Macro Alert: Japan Rate Hike Raises Risk Flags
Japan is set to hike interest rates by 25 bps on December 19, a key macro event for Bitcoin. As the largest holder of US debt, tighter Japanese policy could drain global liquidity, strengthen the dollar, and pressure risk assets. Historically, similar moves saw BTC drop 22% (Mar ’24), 31% (Jul ’24), and 32% (Jan ’25). If history repeats, a move toward $70K is a real risk, making this a major stress test for Bitcoin.
December 15, 2025 11:41:46 UTC
Smart Trader wyzq.eth Books $100K Profit on RAVE Trade
Smart trader wyzq.eth fully exited $RAVE around 17 hours ago, locking in profits of over $100,000. He initially invested $120,000 to buy 553,000 RAVE at an average price of $0.22, before selling the entire position for about $220,000 at an average of $0.40. The trade delivered an estimated 83% gain in a short period.
December 15, 2025 11:41:46 UTC
BingX User Base Doubles to 40M as Trading Volume Surges
Crypto exchange BingX announced that its global user base surpassed 40 million in 2025, marking nearly 100% year-over-year growth. The platform also reported peak daily trading volume above $26 billion. BingX said the growth was driven by its focus on AI-powered trading tools, upgrades to derivatives and spot trading, and continued investment in security, including 100% Proof of Reserves and a dedicated user protection fund.
December 15, 2025 11:39:34 UTC
Crypto Market Direction Unclear as Key Levels Come Into Focus
The total crypto market capitalization remains directionless after a firm correction, a move similar to what was seen in February 2025. This phase is not unusual. The current chart structure also resembles the post-COVID crash period, when prices paused, direction stayed unclear, and the market slowly ground higher. Key levels to watch are $3.2 trillion as resistance and $2.85 trillion as support. Meaningful trading activity is likely only after a break of either level.
December 15, 2025 11:36:59 UTC
Crypto ETP Inflows Jump as Bitcoin and Ethereum Lead
Digital asset ETPs recorded US$716 million in weekly inflows, pushing total assets under management to US$180 billion. Bitcoin led with US$552 million in inflows, while Ethereum followed with US$338 million. XRP and Chainlink also saw strong demand, attracting US$245 million and US$52.8 million, respectively. In contrast, Hyperliquid posted outflows of US$14.1 million, standing out as the laggard for the week.
December 15, 2025 11:35:48 UTC
Crypto ETP Inflows Jump as Bitcoin and Ethereum Lead
Digital asset ETPs recorded US$716 million in weekly inflows, pushing total assets under management to US$180 billion. Bitcoin led with US$552 million in inflows, while Ethereum followed with US$338 million. XRP and Chainlink also saw strong demand, attracting US$245 million and US$52.8 million, respectively. In contrast, Hyperliquid posted outflows of US$14.1 million, standing out as the laggard for the week.
December 15, 2025 07:20:44 UTC
Humidifi $WET Surges as It Lists on Upbit and Bithumb
$WET has been officially listed on Upbit (KRW, BTC, USDT markets) and Bithumb (KRW market), boosting its presence in Korea’s crypto scene. Following the Upbit listing, WET surged over 28% as trading activity spiked. On Bithumb, trading is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM KST on December 15, 2025, with deposits via Solana only. The dual listings highlight strong interest in WET, with traders closely watching post-listing price movements.
December 15, 2025 07:12:51 UTC
Wholecoiner Inflows to Binance Hit Lowest Levels Since 2018
Wholecoiner Bitcoin inflows to Binance are rapidly drying up. Recent data shows BTC deposits from this group have collapsed compared to previous years, signaling reduced selling pressure. The yearly average now stands near 6,500 BTC, a level not seen since 2018. This sharp slowdown suggests long-term holders are choosing to hold rather than sell, a trend that could support Bitcoin’s price stability in the current market environment.
December 15, 2025 07:04:50 UTC
North Korean Hackers Use Fake Zoom Calls to Steal Crypto: SEAL
The Security Alliance (SEAL) has warned that North Korean hackers are running daily crypto scams using fake Zoom meetings. Researcher Taylor Monahan said the attacks have already caused losses exceeding $300 million. The scams often begin with compromised Telegram accounts and trick victims into joining Zoom calls, where they are pushed to download malware. This malware then steals passwords, private keys, and crypto assets, putting users at serious risk.
SEAL is tracking multiple DAILY attempts by North Korean actors utilizing “Fake Zoom” tactics for spreading malware as well as escalating their access to new victims.
Social engineering is at the root of the attack. Read the thread below for pointers on how to stay secure. https://t.co/2SQGdtPKGx
— Security Alliance (@_SEAL_Org) December 13, 2025
December 15, 2025 06:21:23 UTC
Bitcoin Eyes Breakout as Bulls Battle Key $93K Resistance
Bitcoin is edging closer to a potential breakout, with bulls focusing on reclaiming the crucial $93,000 resistance level. While buyers are still struggling to push above this zone, repeated retests are gradually weakening the resistance. Price action continues to coil within a wedge pattern, signaling building pressure. A confirmed upside break could restore bullish momentum and open the door for a strong rally in the days ahead.
December 15, 2025 06:09:41 UTC
Bitcoin Price Today Pulls Back, but Long-Term Trend Still Intact
Bitcoin dipped during the Asian trading session as year-end liquidity continues to thin. However, the bigger picture remains constructive. BTC has returned to test its multi-year trendline, a level that has supported every major higher low since 2023. As long as this trendline holds, the move appears to be a healthy reset in momentum rather than a trend breakdown. Traders are now watching this key support closely.
The post BOJ to Start Selling $534B in ETFs as Rate Hike Looms; Bitcoin Under Pressure? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
As early as January, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to begin selling its massive ETF holdings, a portfolio valued at ¥83 trillion ($534 billion). The plan is to move slowly and avoid market shock. But even a gradual exit from ETFs by one of the world’s biggest central banks carries weight, especially at a time when global liquidity is tightening.
See how this could affect the markets.
Bank of Japan Prepares to Start Selling ETFs
According to Bloomberg, BOJ officials plan to offload ETFs gradually following a decision made at the September policy board meeting. The central bank has set a pace of ¥330 billion per year based on book value, a timeline that could stretch for decades.
The goal is to keep the impact minimal. Officials want the market response to be barely noticeable,similar to how Japan sold bank stocks in the 2000s without disrupting markets.
Still, the scale is hard to ignore. The ETF holdings have grown sharply in value as Japan’s stock market rallied over the past two years, leaving the BOJ with massive unrealized gains.
Japan Bond Yields Hit Highest Since 2008 – Expert Warns “The Anchor Has Broken”
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Rate Hike Expectations Add More Pressure
The ETF exit comes as markets expect a 25 basis point rate hike at the BOJ’s December 18-19 meeting. Polymarket currently shows a 98% probability of a hike, which would take Japan’s policy rate to 75 basis points, the highest level in nearly 20 years.
That shift matters because Japan has long been the world’s cheapest source of leverage.
“For decades, the Yen has been the #1 currency people would borrow & convert into other currencies & assets… That carry trade is diminishing now, as Japanese bond yields are rising rapidly,” wrote analyst Mister Crypto.
The Bank of Japan is about to do a rate hike on Friday the 19th, creating massive fear surrounding the Yen carry trade.
Bitcoin dumped hard the last time they hiked rates:
But why is this exactly? Let’s break it down
What is the Yen Carry Trade?
For decades, the Yen has… pic.twitter.com/YjxzOctjnx
— Mister Crypto (@misterrcrypto) December 14, 2025
Why Bitcoin Is Feeling the Impact
As yen-funded leverage comes under strain, risk assets are vulnerable. Bitcoin is already trading below the $90,000 level, sitting at $89,701 currently.
That said, the market response has been relatively controlled. Many analysts note that expectations around a Bank of Japan rate hike have been circulating for weeks, giving traders time to adjust positioning. In that sense, part of the impact may already be reflected in current prices.
While markets are clearly paying attention, there is no sign of disorderly selling so far, suggesting investors are treating this as a macro adjustment rather than a sudden risk event.’
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Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
FAQs
Why is the Bank of Japan selling its ETFs, and will it crash the market?
The BOJ is selling its ETFs to normalize monetary policy after years of stimulus, but it plans to sell so gradually that the market impact is designed to be “almost unnoticeable”.
How could the BOJ’s policies affect Bitcoin and cryptocurrency prices?
A BOJ interest rate hike and ETF sales could pressure Bitcoin by reducing global market liquidity. This could weaken the popular “yen carry trade,” where investors borrow cheap yen to buy riskier assets like crypto.
When will the Bank of Japan start selling ETFs?
BOJ is expected to begin its ETF sales in January, moving slowly over the years to avoid sudden market reactions.
The post This New $0.035 Crypto Is Earning Comparisons to Early Solana with Over 250% Growth, Investors Take Notice appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Some analysts believe a new wave of early-stage projects is beginning to mirror the signals once seen during Solana’s breakout phase. Market commentators suggest that one altcoin priced at $0.035 is gaining attention for its fast growth and expanding user base. Early investor sentiment indicates that the pattern forming around this project resembles the type of early momentum that pushed Solana into the spotlight. With interest rising quickly, many investors are taking notice.
Mutuum Finance (MUTM)
Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is developing a lending and borrowing protocol that uses two connected markets to support different user needs. The first is the P2C system. Users deposit assets into a shared liquidity pool and receive mtTokens as proof of their position. These mtTokens grow in redeemable value as borrowers repay interest. A user depositing ETH would receive mtETH that becomes redeemable for more ETH as interest accumulates. This creates a clear APY model tied to real activity.
The second environment is the P2P system, where borrowers post collateral and choose loan terms. Lenders browse open requests and select which ones they want to fund. Borrow rates change based on utilization. Stable rates lock at the start of the loan. LTV rules keep positions safe. Lower-volatility assets like ETH and stablecoins can reach higher LTV ranges near 75%, while more volatile assets stay closer to 35% or 40%.
Liquidations occur if collateral value drops too far. Liquidators buy discounted collateral and repay part of the borrower’s debt. This keeps the protocol balanced and helps prevent losses during market swings. These mechanics are part of why some analysts compare MUTM’s early structure to Solana’s early technical advantage. Both projects focus on practical systems rather than hype.
Presale Traction and Expanding Community
Mutuum Finance has shown fast and steady growth during its early stages. The token began at $0.01 in early 2025 and now is priced at $0.035 in presale, marking a rise of more than 250%. At the official launch price of $0.06, Phase 1 participants are positioned for close to 500% growth once the demand trend continues.
The project has raised $19.30M so far. A total of 18,400 holders have joined, and 820M tokens have been purchased. Out of the 4B total supply, 1.82B tokens, or 45.5%, are reserved for the presale. Analysts say this structure helps create strong token distribution before mainnet and testnet stages begin.
Demand has increased during each phase. Phase 6 is now more than 97% allocated, and Phase 7 will introduce a price step of nearly 20%. Traders following top cryptocurrencies and crypto predictions say this creates urgency because each phase increases the token’s value, giving early buyers a clear entry advantage.
The presale’s momentum has also been strengthened by daily activity incentives. Mutuum Finance operates a 24-hour leaderboard where the top contributor receives $500 in MUTM. This keeps user engagement high and encourages steady participation throughout the day.
V1 and Why This Matters for Price Forecasts
Mutuum Finance confirmed through its official X announcement that the V1 protocol will launch on Sepolia Testnet in Q4 2025. The V1 rollout includes the mtToken system, Liquidity Pool, Liquidator Bot and Debt Token, with ETH and USDT as the first supported assets.
Security has been another strong talking point. The project completed its CertiK audit with a 90/100 Token Scan score, and Halborn Security is performing a second code review. The team also introduced a $50K bug bounty to strengthen stability before launch.
Analysts say this level of security preparation is unusual for a project still in early stages. Because of this, some believe MUTM may deliver a strong run once borrowing activity begins. In a bullish scenario, projections show the token could climb several times above its current value if V1 adoption aligns with early presale momentum.
Stablecoin and Layer-2 Expansion
Mutuum Finance plans to introduce a stablecoin backed by loan interest generated inside the protocol. This gives the ecosystem another use case and increases liquidity for borrowers and suppliers. Analysts say internally backed stablecoins help strengthen retention and create deeper user engagement.
Layer-2 expansion is also part of the long-term roadmap. By moving to L2 networks, Mutuum Finance can reduce transaction fees and improve processing speed. Lending protocols rely on low fees to support high borrowing volume, making L2 support an important growth catalyst.
Together, these features help shape a broader ecosystem. A stablecoin improves liquidity, oracles ensure accurate pricing, mtTokens increase user incentives, and L2 scaling expands user access. Analysts following best crypto to buy now lists say this set of features gives MUTM a stronger long-term path than most early-stage altcoins, including many meme assets that depend only on sentiment.
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