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Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 01/03/2026
Welcome back! Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
BlackRock Moves Bitcoin and Ethereum, Stirring Sell-Off Fears Ahead of $2.2B Options Expiry
BlackRock transferred 1,134 BTC and 7,255 ETH to Coinbase following sizable year-end outflows from both BTC and ETH ETFs. With $2.2 billion in crypto options expiring and max pain near $88,000 for BTC, the move adds to near-term selling pressure even as long-term holders appear to be easing sales. Analysts warn persistent ETF outflows could test the $90,000 level and potentially open deeper downside if momentum breaks.
Bitcoin ETFs lose record $4.57 billion in two months
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs saw a combined $4.57 billion in net outflows over November and December, coinciding with a 20% price slide. Some market participants frame the pullback as an orderly rotation, with weaker hands exiting and stronger balance sheets absorbing supply. Notably, XRP and SOL ETFs attracted over $1.5 billion in inflows, hinting at shifting risk appetite within crypto.
Tether adds nearly $800 million in bitcoin, bringing holdings above 96,000 BTC
Tether kicked off 2026 by purchasing 8,888.88 BTC (~$780 million), continuing its policy of allocating up to 15% of quarterly operating profits to bitcoin. The approach uses excess earnings to diversify reserves without touching stablecoin backing, making Tether one of the largest corporate holders of BTC. The steady accumulation underscores how higher rates and strong stablecoin demand can translate into ongoing bitcoin buys.
Over $2.2 Billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expire as 2026 Begins
Roughly $1.87 billion in BTC options and $395.7 million in ETH options expired, with spot prices hovering just above their respective max pain levels. Positioning skews bullish—BTC’s put-to-call ratio sits at 0.48 and ETH’s at 0.62—while block trade flows favor calls, especially for ETH. The reset could unlock volatility as hedges unwind, with traders eyeing later 2026 maturities that suggest confidence in medium-term upside.
Turkmenistan legalizes crypto mining and exchanges to boost the economy
Turkmenistan enacted a Law on Virtual Assets that legalizes crypto mining and licenses exchanges and custodians, framing virtual assets as property, not legal tender. The policy requires registration with the central bank, imposes technical standards, and mandates strict KYC/AML with no anonymous wallets. The move aims to attract foreign investment and formalize crypto market activity within clear regulatory boundaries.
Bitcoin’s squeeze sets stage for major price swing
Bitcoin’s Bollinger Bands have compressed to their tightest levels since July after two weeks of trading between $85,000 and $90,000. Historically, such squeezes precede significant directional moves, with prior examples leading to multi-thousand-dollar expansions. Traders are on alert for a volatility breakout as the market builds energy for the next trend.
Metric suggests Bitcoin has been in a bear market for 2 months
CryptoQuant’s Julio Moreno says key metrics turned bearish in early November, with BTC dipping below its one-year moving average—his confirmation of a bear phase. He projects a potential bottom in the $56,000–$60,000 range based on realized price and past cycles, noting this drawdown could be milder than prior 70%–80% declines. Structural demand from institutions and ETFs may help stabilize the market compared with previous bear markets.
Trust Wallet: on connaît les dessous du piratage sournois qui a ruiné 2 520 investisseurs en cryptos
A compromised Chrome extension update (v2.68) on December 24 enabled attackers to exfiltrate sensitive wallet data, leading to an estimated $8 million loss across 2,520 wallets. The breach stemmed from a supply chain attack that exposed Trust Wallet’s source code and Chrome Web Store API key, allowing a malicious version to be published. Trust Wallet pushed a clean update, coordinated with researchers to disrupt the attacker’s infrastructure, and has begun a reimbursement process for verified victims.
Russia’s little-known $13bn crypto secret set for 2026 takeoff
Russia’s digital financial assets (DFAs)—tokenized instruments on permissioned blockchains—grew to a $13 billion market, with policymakers targeting tax parity to fuel expansion in 2026. Crypto derivatives on MOEX set records while major banks roll out new products, and industrial bitcoin mining is poised to rebound amid cheap power and supportive policy. The strategy aims to build a domestic, blockchain-based investment ecosystem resilient to sanctions.
Bitcoin miner Bitfarms exiting Latin America with $30M sale of Paraguay site
Bitfarms will sell its Paso Pe, Paraguay site for up to $30 million to the Sympatheia Power Fund, receiving $9 million upfront and up to $21 million in milestone payments. The miner plans to redeploy capital into North American HPC/AI energy infrastructure, targeting stronger returns in 2026. Shares rose in pre-market trading alongside a lift in BTC price.
