Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast — December 30, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a fast-moving mix of ETF flows, whale positioning, miner economics, and geopolitical crosswinds shaping crypto into the new year.
XRP ETFs blow past $1bn in inflows. Where will token price go in 2026?
By Lance Datskoluo | December 29, 2025
XRP ETFs have attracted more than $1 billion in net inflows since their November launch, with no single day of outflows—easily outpacing Solana products while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw net redemptions. Despite the surge, XRP remains about 49% below its July high, with traders expecting an adoption-phase pattern of rapid inflows followed by consolidation as big institutions expand access.
Bitcoin mining difficulty nears record high as 2026 approaches
By Unknown | Date not specified
Bitcoin’s mining difficulty is approaching all-time highs heading into 2026, reflecting a robust hash rate and stronger network security. The trade-off is tighter margins for miners and rising energy demands, which could spur further consolidation if prices don’t keep pace.
Bitcoin reverses early gains, drops below $88,000 as Nasdaq futures wilt
By Omkar Godbole, James Van Straten | December 29, 2025
BTC slid below $88,000 after briefly topping $90,000, mirroring weakness in Nasdaq futures and highlighting the asset’s close correlation to tech stocks. Futures open interest dipped as traders trimmed leverage, while desks flagged U.S.-session underperformance tied to year-end tax dynamics even as some bulls eye dip-buy zones in the low-to-mid $80Ks.
Strategy reloads on bitcoin, acquires a further 1,229 BTC for $109 million
By James Van Straten | December 29, 2025
Strategy (MSTR) bought 1,229 BTC for $108.8 million at an average of $88,568, lifting its stash to 672,497 BTC with a $74,997 average cost basis. Funded via stock issuance, the move signals continued corporate conviction amid choppy price action, with MSTR shares slightly lower premarket alongside BTC near $87,000.
Sberbank issues Russia’s first crypto-backed loan to bitcoin miner Intelion Data
By Olivier Acuna | December 29, 2025
Russia’s Sberbank piloted its first bitcoin-backed loan with miner Intelion Data, using the bank’s Rutoken custody to secure collateral. While terms weren’t disclosed, the deal underscores bank-level experiments with crypto financing and DeFi tools as Russia explores gradual legalization.
Bitcoin whales have been the main accumulators in the $80,000 range
By James Van Straten | December 29, 2025
Glassnode data show the 1,000–10,000 BTC cohort has been steady net buyers around $80,000, with Accumulation Trend Scores near 1. Smaller entities continue to distribute amid “fear” readings, suggesting capitulation as larger players absorb supply.
Crypto ETPs shed $446M over Christmas as year-end sentiment remains fragile
By Ezra Reguerra | December 29, 2025
Crypto ETPs saw $446 million in weekly outflows, bringing redemptions since Oct. 10 to $3.2 billion even as full-year inflows remain sizable. Flows rotated toward newer XRP and Solana products, while the U.S. led outflows and Germany posted notable inflows—evidence of a selective, region-driven market.
Bitcoin tops $90,000, oil rises as Russia-Ukraine peace hopes falter
By Omkar Godbole | December 29, 2025
BTC briefly reclaimed $90,000 as oil rose following fresh strikes that dented hopes for a Russia–Ukraine peace deal, with thin holiday liquidity magnifying moves. The action underscores how geopolitical shocks can ripple through macro assets and crypto risk sentiment.
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs continues outflows while Solana and XRP record largest inflow
By Unknown | Date not specified
Funds tracking Bitcoin and Ether continued to post net outflows, while Solana and XRP saw the strongest inflows over the same window. The split highlights evolving institutional preferences toward newer altcoin exposures as flagship assets digest prior inflows.
These three altcoins came back from the dead in 2025
By Zoltan Vardai | December 29, 2025
Even in a muted altcoin year, XRP, Zcash, and Algorand outperformed on a mix of regulatory clarity, revived privacy demand, and real-world tokenization deals. The dispersion points to a maturing, fundamentals-first market where utility and policy visibility outweigh hopes for a broad “alt season.”
