🟡 Bitcoin's Price Struggles Below $90K: A Technical Analysis

📉 Bitcoin's price is currently trapped in a tight range between $88,990 and $89,473, just below the crucial $90K level. With a market cap of $1.78 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $21.62 billion, Bitcoin remains the dominant player in the crypto space. However, its recent performance shows signs of caution.

Since sliding from a lofty high of approximately $111,129 to a trough near $80,537, bitcoin has been treading water in the $90K territory,

the article states. The daily chart reveals a downward drift meeting uncertain consolidation. Key support is found in the $80,500 to $82,000 range, while resistance is strong around $95,000 to $96,000.

🔍 The 4-hour chart shows a decline after a previous climb from $84,045 to $94,172. Bitcoin has shifted to a lower-highs structure, indicating a decrease in bullish enthusiasm. Price now fluctuates between $88,500 and $90,000. A breakdown below $88,500 could lead to further declines towards the $86,000 area.

Lower highs and shallow bounces suggest not accumulation but distribution;

the article notes. This indicates that someone may be quietly offloading their positions while retail investors remain hopeful for a rally.

⚖️ The oscillators are sending mixed signals. The relative strength index (RSI) is neutral at 43, as are the Stochastic and commodity channel index (CCI). However, the momentum indicator suggests a more bearish sentiment with a reading of -1,894.

Should bitcoin reclaim and sustain levels above $95,000 with strong volume and bullish conviction,

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📌 American Bitcoin Corp. Increases BTC Reserves Amid Stock Decline

📈 American Bitcoin Corp. has boosted its bitcoin reserves to 4,783 BTC as of December 8, according to recent company disclosures. This marks an increase of 416 BTC since the last update on December 2. The company emphasized that its total holdings include both mined and strategically purchased bitcoin.

With our bitcoin reserve now at 4,783, we continue to scale at an exceptional pace,

said Eric Trump, the company's co-founder and chief strategy officer. He also noted that the company's Satoshis Per Share (SPS) metric, which tracks the amount of bitcoin associated with each outstanding share, has risen over 17% since November 5, reaching 507 satoshis per share.

🚀 Trump highlighted that American Bitcoin Corp. has established itself as one of the largest and fastest-growing bitcoin accumulators since its Nasdaq listing about three months ago. He mentioned the company's cost structure and margin considerations as factors contributing to this progress.

Next: Gamestop,

Trump remarked on X, indicating that the company was approaching a milestone of surpassing Gamestop in the bitcoin treasuries arena. Following the recent addition of bitcoin, American Bitcoin Corp. has officially overtaken Gamestop in this regard.

📉 However, despite the increase in reserves, ABTC's stock has not performed similarly. The company's shares have declined by over 2% on the day, more than 11% over the past week, and over 50% in the past 30 days. This disparity between treasury growth and share price performance reflects broader investor caution in the mining and accumulation sector, which has experienced uneven trading recently.

🔗 American Bitcoin Corp. stated that it will continue to provide updates on its reserves and SPS through its website and social media channels.

⚖️ Bitcoin's Hashrate Stability Amid Difficulty Cuts and Revenue Pressures

🔒 Bitcoin has experienced its third consecutive difficulty reduction, yet the network's computing power remains robust, staying above the 1.1 zettahash per second (ZH/s) mark. As of this weekend, the total hashpower is steady at 1,125.48 EH/s, following a slight 0.74% difficulty adjustment at block height 927360.

📉 Despite facing three difficulty decreases since November 12, which total 5.06%, this has not surpassed the 6.31% increase noted on October 29. The hashrate remains resilient, contributing to accelerated block production with an average block interval of 9 minutes 25 seconds as of December 13.

🔔 Looking ahead, the next difficulty epoch is anticipated to trend higher, although it is still some way off, with only 18% of the 2,016 blocks completed so far. This leaves room for the final adjustment to differ from the current projection of over a 6% increase. Notably, this elevated hashrate and quicker block intervals are occurring despite thin miner revenues.

💰 The hashprice, representing the expected value of a single petahash of hashrate, has dropped by 9.85% over the past month, from $42.70 per petahash per second (PH/s) to $38.49 today. This decline reflects lower bitcoin prices and the fact that onchain fees now constitute only a small portion of the block reward.

📊 Recent data shows that onchain fees have fallen well below the 1% threshold, accounting for just 0.54% of a block reward in the past 24 hours. Despite these challenges, miners are demonstrating resilience, reminding us that they are familiar with such pressures. The coming months will reveal whether conditions for miners will improve or if further strain is on the horizon as 2026 approaches.

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💰 Redotpay Secures $107 Million in Series B Funding for Stablecoin Payments Expansion

🚀 Redotpay, a fintech company based in Hong Kong, has successfully raised $107 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total capital raised in 2025 to $194 million. The funding round was led by Goodwater Capital and saw participation from Pantera Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Circle Ventures, along with support from existing investors.

🌍 As of November, Redotpay boasts over 6 million registered users across more than 100 countries. The company reported an annualized payment volume exceeding $10 billion, with payment activity nearly tripling year over year. Notably, over 3 million users joined the platform in 2025 alone.

💳 Redotpay offers a range of payment services centered around stablecoins, including card-based spending, cross-border payouts, and peer-to-peer transfers. The platform allows users to store digital assets while spending in local currencies, which is particularly relevant in regions facing currency instability or limited banking access.

📈 The company also reported generating over $150 million in annualized revenue and remains profitable under its current operating structure. The newly raised capital will be used for acquisitions, strengthening compliance operations, obtaining regulatory licenses, and expanding engineering and product teams.

🌐 Redotpay plans to expand its geographic footprint while continuing to develop payment infrastructure that connects digital assets with traditional financial systems. This funding comes at a time when stablecoin usage is increasingly shifting from trading to payments, remittances, and settlements, positioning Redotpay within a growing segment of the global payments market.

📊 As of December 16, the stablecoin economy is valued at $309.55 billion, with settlement volumes rising into the trillions. The stablecoin sector continues to expand its presence and legitimacy through widespread adoption and increasing regulatory clarity from governments.

📈 Draftkings Enters U.S. Prediction Markets with New App

🚀 Draftkings has officially launched its standalone predictions app, Draftkings Predictions, marking its entry into the expanding U.S. prediction markets sector. This new platform allows eligible users to trade contracts based on real-world outcomes, including sports and financial events, and operates under federal commodities law rather than state gambling regulations.

📱 The app, which is separate from Draftkings' traditional sportsbook and casino services, is regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is registered as an introducing broker with the National Futures Association. This regulatory framework positions it uniquely in the market, enabling it to offer event-based contract trading.

Draftkings Predictions is a significant milestone and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering products that tap into the passion of our customers,

said Corey Gottlieb, Draftkings’ chief product officer. He added,

We believe we are uniquely positioned to lead this space over the long term.

📊 At launch, Draftkings Predictions connects to CME Group for access to various event contracts, including global benchmarks and economic indicators. The company plans to expand its market offerings by connecting to multiple exchanges over time. This rollout follows Draftkings' acquisition of Railbird Technologies, which is expected to enhance the platform's market capabilities and support future product development.

🏆 Draftkings enters a competitive landscape with established players like Kalshi, which offers a CFTC-regulated exchange for contracts on various outcomes, and Polymarket and Myriad, which operate crypto-based prediction platforms. These competitors have reported significant trading volumes and have expanded into sports and political markets.

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🪙 Record Highs for Gold and Silver Amid Geopolitical Tensions

📈 Gold and silver prices soared to record levels on Sunday night as investors reacted to anticipated interest rate cuts in 2026 and heightened geopolitical risks due to the U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil. Gold futures surpassed $4,440, while silver exceeded $69 per ounce.

Analysts have rationalized this rise, linking it with two different events: the expectation of two interest rate cuts and the ongoing hostilities between the U.S. government and Venezuela.

📉 Despite Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack's recent statement that further cuts were unnecessary due to inflation concerns, the market anticipates at least two rate cuts in 2026. Additionally, the confiscation of Venezuelan oil tankers adds uncertainty to crude oil prices, as China, Venezuela's main oil buyer, may need to find alternative sources.

🔍 Traditional factors driving up precious metal prices include central bank demand, scarcity, and increased technological use. Gold and silver can thrive even when interest rates decrease because they do not yield returns.

🌟 Silver is having a particularly strong year, with analysts predicting it could reach three-digit prices in the medium term. Gold has also been performing well, achieving several record highs throughout the year.

🔔 Argentina's New Congress and the Role of Stablecoins in Economic Stabilization

💬 Deputy Martin Yeza of Argentina's new Congress has emphasized the potential of stablecoins to play a crucial role in the country's payment system. He advocates for allowing the central bank to hold cryptocurrency and for state-owned companies to engage in crypto mining. This perspective aligns with local analysts who support the idea of “tetherization” of the economy.

🗣 In an interview with Iproup, Yeza mentioned that the government plans to reassess its approach to dollarization by considering stablecoins and cryptocurrencies as alternatives to the US dollar. He acknowledged the potential resistance to such reforms in Congress but expressed a desire to see stablecoins integrated as a payment method.

📉 One of President Milei's key campaign promises was to eliminate the central bank and fully dollarize the economy to reduce inflation. However, Rocelo Lopez, a local crypto entrepreneur, argued for a “tetherization” approach, which would not require U.S. approval and could offer advantages like traceable and low-cost transactions.

🏦 Recent reports suggest that Argentine banks are preparing to provide crypto services to customers, and the central bank is drafting measures to facilitate private banks' entry into the cryptocurrency market. This indicates a shifting landscape where cryptocurrencies may become more integrated into the financial system as the new Congress navigates these critical issues in 2026.

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💰 Peter Schiff Predicts Silver Will Surpass $100 Next Year Amidst Macroeconomic Challenges

📈 Economist Peter Schiff recently expressed a strongly bullish outlook on silver, suggesting that macroeconomic factors and market conditions are aligning for a potential rise above $100 next year. Despite acknowledging the possibility of temporary pullbacks, he believes that

this time it is different

when it comes to silver's price trajectory.

🔄 Responding to skepticism from a fellow user on social media, Schiff stated,

Silver can easily pull back, but it’s unlikely it gets near $50 again.

He emphasized that regardless of any potential corrections, the price should break above $100 next year.

📉 Schiff linked his optimistic view to deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, explaining that

recession is bullish for gold and silver as it results in larger federal budget deficits, interest rate cuts, expanded QE (meaning higher inflation), and a weaker dollar.

This perspective aligns with a broader bullish case for silver, which is supported by rising government debt, persistent fiscal shortfalls, and declining real interest rates.

⚖️ However, while supporters of this thesis point to chronic silver supply deficits and strong industrial demand from sectors like solar and electronics, skeptics highlight silver's extreme volatility and history of sharp corrections. They caution that while silver may present a compelling long-term investment case, it remains risky over shorter time frames.

🚀 Ripple's Optimistic Outlook on Institutional Crypto Adoption

📈 Ripple's Managing Director for APAC, Reece Merrick, recently expressed a positive outlook for the upcoming year, highlighting the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies by institutions. He pointed to regulatory advancements and the growth of tokenization as key factors driving this momentum. Merrick stated,

We’ve never been in a better position heading into a new year.

🔍 He elaborated on the shift in regulatory perception, noting that clear frameworks are now enabling financial institutions to move from exploration to implementation. This change allows banks and asset managers to fully integrate blockchain-based payments and stablecoin operations into their core financial activities.

We have moved past the idea of regulation being a blocker,

he emphasized.

💰 Merrick highlighted the maturation of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization into a $30 billion industry dominated by major players like Blackrock and Franklin Templeton. He also pointed out the significant increase in stablecoin supply, which has surged by over 50% this year to approximately $310 billion in market capitalization.

Forecasted growth across RWAs and Stablecoins set to move into the trillions in the coming years!

📊 Addressing capital flows, Merrick noted that crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen steady accumulation with about $29.3 billion in net inflows this year. He described this shift as a validation of crypto's role in institutional portfolios, particularly with growing interest in XRP-linked products.

Multiple XRP ETFs launched, showing clear institutional interest, approaching $1B AUM in under a month,

he stated.

🔗 On the topic of enterprise adoption, Merrick explained that financial institutions are looking to incorporate blockchain technology to enhance their existing systems rather than replace them entirely. He concluded by emphasizing Ripple's strategic position at the intersection of crypto, traditional payments, and tokenization.

This current period is a strong moment to be building in the sector,

he said.

🔔 U.S. Military Operation Leads to Nicolás Maduro's Removal

🚨 On January 3, 2026, a U.S. military operation successfully removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power, resolving ongoing Polymarket prediction markets that had been tracking his potential exit. President Donald Trump announced that elite Delta Force units conducted an overnight raid near Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a Venezuelan military complex.

📈 The raid took place during the late hours of January 2 and early January 3, neutralizing Venezuelan military defenses in what U.S. officials described as a rapid and decisive assault. Trump stated that Maduro would face trial in New York on longstanding U.S. charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, which date back to a 2020 indictment that carried a $50 million bounty.

🔗 Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the operation followed repeated efforts to pressure Maduro to step aside voluntarily after Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election. He characterized the operation as the culmination of escalating diplomatic and military pressure.

⚠️ The event sent shockwaves through prediction markets, particularly on Polymarket, where traders had been betting on Maduro's potential departure. One flagship contract tied to his removal by January 31, 2026, resolved as “Yes” on January 3 following confirmation of his capture. This bet saw more than $56 million in volume. Prior to the raid, the contract had traded at roughly 5 to 7 cents, indicating skepticism about Maduro's imminent removal. However, the overnight resolution pushed the payout to the full $1 per share, generating significant gains for traders who had positioned themselves before the operation became public.

This account, Burdensome-Mix, has existed for only one week and quickly became the biggest ‘yes’ holder in the Maduro out market. Seems pretty suspicious,

one observer noted. Trading patterns have sparked debate about whether nonpublic information influenced activity on the platform. Sports business analyst Joe Pompliano pointed out a specific case:

A newly created Polymarket account invested over $30,000 yesterday in Maduro’s exit. The US then took Maduro into custody overnight, and the trader profited $400,000 in less than 24 hours.

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💰 Bitcoin Options Traders Eye $100,000 Amid Market Recovery

📈 Bitcoin options traders are increasingly optimistic about a potential rebound to the $100,000 mark following a significant selloff at the end of 2025. Improving flows into crypto investment products and a broader risk-on market environment are contributing to this renewed confidence.

According to Bloomberg, data shows that open interest in bitcoin options is heavily concentrated around contracts expiring on January 30 with a $100,000 strike price.

These call options carry more than twice the notional value of the next most popular position, which is put options at an $80,000 strike for the same expiry. This positioning suggests traders are looking past the fourth-quarter crash and toward a renewed upside move.

📉 This shift in sentiment marks a significant change from late 2025 when bitcoin experienced a 24% decline over the quarter. During that period, demand for downside protection surged, pushing put option premiums sharply higher. However, prices have since stabilized.

🚀 On January 5, bitcoin rose as much as 3.6% to trade near $94,800, its highest level in almost a month. This rebound has been supported by renewed inflows into crypto investment products. On January 5, bitcoin ETFs recorded $697 million in inflows, following a $471 million inflow on January 2. Similarly, ether ETFs saw inflows of $174 million and $168 million on January 2 and January 5 respectively.

📊 The improving tone in crypto mirrors strength across other asset classes. Gold has pushed to a record high, while equity markets have been lifted by gains in technology stocks, reinforcing a broader risk-on environment.

⚠️ However, analysts urge caution. Bitcoin has repeatedly failed to hold key technical levels in recent months, often triggering sharp pullbacks and liquidations. Options data suggests a relatively quick move through the $90,000 range, with the next potential consolidation zone around $105,000.

Whether the rally can extend further may depend on whether speculative capital fully returns to crypto derivatives markets.