Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 12/17/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Crypto markets today: Bitcoin, ether extend pullback amid thin liquidity, macro jitters
Bitcoin slid about 4% to roughly $86,100 and ether fell back below $3,000 as thin liquidity and macro jitters weighed, dragging the CoinDesk 20 lower alongside U.S. equities. Derivatives signaled stress: over $660 million in mainly long liquidations, BTC futures open interest above 700K BTC, and a persistent put premium pointing to downside hedging. While sentiment is weak, several altcoins screen oversold on RSI and are nearing prior support zones that could spark short-term bounces.
Bitcoin, ether and XRP extend losses as year-end caution builds
Risk appetite faded ahead of U.S. jobs data and a likely BOJ hike, with bitcoin near $85,800 and broad altcoin losses mirroring declines in Asian equities. Total crypto market cap is holding around $3 trillion but momentum has shifted from uptrend to sideways support, and the fear-and-greed index dropped to 16. Analysts warn a retest toward $81,000 is possible unless range-bound consolidation firms up.
U.S. bitcoin, ether ETFs see largest outflows since Nov. 20 as BTC declines
U.S. spot bitcoin and ether ETFs posted $582 million in net outflows, the most since Nov. 20, as prices retreated; BTC funds shed $357.6 million and ETH funds $224.8 million. Fidelity’s FBTC led redemptions while BlackRock’s IBIT saw no net flow; on the ETH side, ETHA accounted for the majority of outflows. Traders are watching the ETFs’ aggregate cost basis near $83,000 as a potential support that has held during recent dips.
Why bitcoin ETFs look like they’re falling short, even as their role grows: Asia Morning Briefing
ETF inflows may not beat last year’s record, but their role is shifting from rally fuel to a volatility buffer as allocations persist even when prices soften. Recent data show flows flipping positive while trading volumes ease, suggesting more deliberate, allocation-driven positioning. That helps explain why bitcoin has held up better than higher-beta tokens during the latest drawdown.
Bitcoin, AI stock slide sees over $500 million in bullish bets wiped out
More than $584 million in leveraged positions were liquidated in 24 hours—nearly 87% of them longs—with Binance, Bybit, and Hyperliquid accounting for most of the flush. The move looked like a classic liquidity sweep that tripped stops below intraday supports before stabilizing, rather than panic selling. Until leverage cools and spot-led demand returns, volatility is likely to remain elevated and skewed to the downside.
Bitcoin falls again as investors cut risk exposure
Bitcoin extended declines as investors pared risk across markets amid ongoing volatility. The move underscores a broader shift to defensiveness ahead of key macro updates.
Cathie Wood’s ARK goes on $59 million stock buying spree amid crypto carnage
ARK Invest snapped up roughly $59 million of crypto-related equities—including Coinbase, Bullish, Circle, miners, and AI infrastructure names—leaning into the selloff. The firm’s playbook favors adding exposure during multi-day drawdowns, and these buys build on already sizable positions. It’s a contrarian bet that weakness in crypto equities will mean-revert.
UK regulators start major consultation on crypto listings, DeFi, and staking
The FCA launched a sweeping consultation covering token listings, exchange standards, market abuse, intermediaries, lending/borrowing, DeFi, and staking—signaling a TradFi-style framework. Feedback runs through Feb. 12, 2026, with the U.K. aiming for a full regime by 2027; the Bank of England is also consulting on stablecoin oversight. Clearer rules could bolster market integrity and institutional participation.
Hong Kong’s RedotPay raises nearly $110 million Series B to push global stablecoin payments
RedotPay raised $107 million to scale stablecoin payments across 100+ countries, reporting 6 million users, $10 billion annualized volume, and $150 million in annualized revenue. The company offers stablecoin cards, wallets, and payouts aimed at cheaper, faster cross-border transfers and recently enabled direct bank payouts in Brazil via Circle’s network. The capital will fund geographic expansion amid intensifying competition for remittances and everyday spend.
Visa brings Circle’s USDC settlement to U.S. banks following $3.5 billion stablecoin pilot
Visa is rolling out USDC settlement to U.S. banks after a pilot that reached a $3.5 billion annualized run rate, offering near-instant, seven-day settlement without changing the cardholder experience. Cross River Bank and Lead Bank are first movers, settling over Solana; Visa also plans to support Circle’s Arc and operate a validator when the chain goes live. The expansion through 2026 tightens the link between legacy payments and programmable blockchain rails.
