Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 12/24/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Crypto exchanges brace for pressure as banks like JPMorgan enter spot trading
The OCC’s new guidance opens the door for U.S. banks to facilitate “riskless principal” crypto trades, and JPMorgan is reportedly exploring execution services for institutions. Expect banks to target highly liquid assets like BTC, ETH, and stablecoins, putting price and distribution pressure on retail-focused exchanges. The likely near-term outcome: more bank–crypto partnerships powering liquidity and routing, rather than banks replacing exchanges outright.
Bitcoin heads for its worst Q4 since 2018 as traders see further fatigue
Bitcoin’s rebound toward the upper end of its range hasn’t flipped sentiment after a steep Q4 drawdown of more than 22%. Analysts frame the bounce as technical and fragile, with gains from Asia and Europe often fading during U.S. hours. Market mood has improved slightly from extreme fear, but conviction remains scarce into year-end.
Bitcoin trapped until 2026 as holiday trading drains market liquidity: QCP
Thin holiday liquidity and year-end de-risking are keeping BTC pinned in a tight range, with declining open interest pointing to fewer directional bets. QCP’s take: without a fresh catalyst, ranges may persist into early 2026. For traders, that favors mean-reversion setups over breakout chasing.
BlackRock pins Bitcoin ETF as major theme alongside T-bills, tech stocks
BlackRock spotlighted its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) as a top 2025 theme alongside T-bills and mega-cap tech, despite a down year for BTC. IBIT drew over $25 billion in net inflows in 2025 and $62.5 billion since launch, underscoring durable institutional demand. The firm is also testing income strategies (covered calls) and expanding its Ethereum lineup, signaling continued product innovation.
Recent bitcoin miner capitulation may signal bottom is near: VanEck
VanEck notes hashrate fell 4% through mid-December—the steepest drop since April 2024—historically a contrarian bullish signal for forward BTC returns. Past periods of hashrate compression have skewed toward positive 90- and 180-day performance as weaker miners capitulate. Tough margins and shifting power demand (including AI) may temporarily curb supply pressure, setting the stage for recovery.
Gigantes del Bitcoin migran a la inteligencia artificial ante la crisis de rentabilidad
Amid shrinking mining profitability, major miners are repurposing data center infrastructure for AI workloads, leveraging power, cooling, and space for GPU clusters. The pivot can improve public perception and diversify revenue, though it requires significant capex and new expertise. Expect more “hybrid” facilities that flex between BTC mining and AI demand based on market conditions.
Risk aversion boosts gold, hurts bitcoin: Crypto Daybook Americas
Despite a weaker dollar, risk aversion is lifting gold while capping crypto, with BTC struggling to sustain moves above key resistance. Traders are watching U.S. macro prints for a potential sentiment shift, but near-term tone remains cautious. Daybook flags the risk of further crypto downside if risk-off extends to equities and EM FX.
Bitcoin trails polar opposites, gold and copper, as the ‘fear and AI’ trade lifts tangible assets
Gold and copper are 2025’s standouts while BTC lags, signaling a market preference for tangible assets amid twin narratives of fiscal risk (gold) and AI-driven growth (copper). Analysts say BTC’s next leg may require a sovereign bid, as ETFs and regulatory optimism are largely priced in. Others argue bitcoin is “building energy,” with prolonged consolidation often preceding outsized moves.
Amplify ETFs targeting stablecoin and tokenization sectors open for trade
Amplify launched two NYSE Arca funds—STBQ (stablecoin technology) and TKNQ (tokenization)—tracking MarketVector indexes at 69 bps. The products blend equities and crypto exposure and arrive alongside a fresh U.S. stablecoin framework that clarifies compliance and settlement for tokenized assets. It’s a targeted way for investors to play infrastructure behind digital dollars and real‑world asset rails.
Are altcoins coming back? Why ‘Bitcoin season’ has staying power in 2026
Metrics show no sign of an altseason: BTC dominance is near 59%, breadth is weak, and altcoin indices remain deeply below thresholds that mark rotation. Institutional flows continue to favor bitcoin for liquidity and clarity, concentrating capital in BTC over long-tail assets. Analysts say a durable altcoin cycle likely requires a clear trend break in TOTAL2 and a shift in ETF-driven flows.
