The bitcoin price is stuck near $88,000 as thin holiday liquidity, fading ETF demand, and unwinding leverage continue to cap any year-end breakout above $90,000.
Bitcoin faced a turbulent Q4 in 2025, with December seeing a nearly 9% drop and record volatility since April, yet VanEck’s mid-December “ChainCheck” report notes improving liquidity and resetting speculative leverage, providing cautious optimism for long-term holders.
Russia’s central bank has proposed new rules that would allow retail investors limited access to cryptocurrencies while granting professional investors broader rights.
Trump Media just added 451 Bitcoin to its holdings, bringing its total to 11,542 BTC worth over $1 billion as part of its ongoing crypto treasury strategy.
Gemini predicts that in 2026, Bitcoin’s market maturation may break its traditional four-year cycle, political engagement with crypto will rise, prediction markets will grow, digital asset treasury firms will consolidate, and at least one nation may convert part of its gold reserves into Bitcoin.
JPMorgan is exploring whether to offer spot and derivatives bitcoin trading to institutional clients, reflecting rising demand for U.S. bank-grade crypto execution