This weekly crypto market update gives you a simple, clear, actionable breakdown of what moved the market in the past 7 days — without the noise.
1) Market Snapshot (Past 7 Days)
Bitcoin (BTC): BTC rebounded back toward the $90K area after a volatile week. At the time of writing, BTC was reported around $90,225, after trading around the high-$80Ks earlier in the week.
Ethereum (ETH): ETH reclaimed the $3,000 level and was reported around $3,047 at the time of writing — a key psychological zone that traders have been watching closely.
Frame for the week: volatility continuation + caution. Price strength is showing up, but flows and liquidity signals still suggest the market is not in “easy mode.”
SPI takeaway: In this phase, the goal is not to predict every candle — it’s to protect your downside, avoid leverage traps, and position patiently when the data improves.
2) Top 10 Crypto Stories That Mattered (Past 7 Days)
1. Bitcoin Pushes Back Toward $90K as Crypto Turns Broadly Positive
What happened: Bitcoin climbed back above key levels, with a broader market bounce lifting several large caps alongside it.
Why it matters: Regaining $90K improves sentiment, but the bigger question is whether this move is supported by sustained inflows — or if it’s simply a year-end volatility swing.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, BNB
2. ETH Reclaims $3K — A Psychological Battle Line
What happened: Ethereum moved back above $3,000, supported by improving short-term momentum.
Why it matters: $3K is a major “line in the sand.” Holding above it can stabilize the market mood; losing it can quickly reintroduce fear and forced selling.
Most impacted tickers: ETH, L2 ecosystem, DeFi blue chips
3. JPMorgan Explores Crypto Trading for Institutional Clients
What happened: Reuters reported that JPMorgan is evaluating crypto trading for institutional clients, reflecting continued TradFi expansion into digital assets.
Why it matters: This reinforces the long-term institutional adoption narrative — and it matters because “big pipes” (banks + platforms) often decide where liquidity flows next.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, ETH, institutional crypto rails, custody/infrastructure sector
4. Strategy Pauses Bitcoin Purchases After Aggressive Buying Earlier in December
What happened: Strategy (large corporate BTC holder) paused BTC buying last week, despite raising capital and accumulating earlier in the month.
Why it matters: When a major persistent buyer steps back, markets often feel it. Even a temporary pause can change short-term expectations around demand support.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, crypto sentiment, crypto-related equities
5. ETF Flow Data Flashes “Institutional Pullback” Signals
What happened: Multiple reports flagged heavy net outflows from BTC/ETH ETF products and a shift toward more cautious positioning into year-end.
Why it matters: ETFs are a major bridge for large money. When flows turn persistently negative, rallies can become fragile — especially if liquidity is thin.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, ETH, ETF flow narrative, large-cap market beta
6. Fifth Straight Day of Spot Bitcoin ETF Outflows (Year-End Rebalancing Pressure)
What happened: Reports noted another day of spot BTC ETF outflows, extending a streak of negative flow days.
Why it matters: This doesn’t automatically mean “bear market,” but it does mean demand is not consistently absorbing supply — which increases the odds of sharp swings.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, BTC ETF complex, crypto market liquidity
7. “Miner Capitulation” + Stabilization Talk Returns to Market Commentary
What happened: Analysts discussed BTC stabilizing after pressure events and highlighted historical patterns around miner capitulation.
Why it matters: Miner stress has historically appeared near inflection zones. It’s not a perfect signal, but it’s part of the broader “risk dashboard” during volatile periods.
Most impacted tickers: BTC, mining sector, risk sentiment
8. Stablecoin Payments Keep Expanding (Shift4 Launches Stablecoin Settlements)
What happened: Payments firm Shift4 launched a stablecoin settlement platform supporting major stablecoins across multiple networks.
Why it matters: This is the “real-world utility” lane: stablecoins keep growing as rails for global payments, 24/7 settlement, and cross-border flows.
Most impacted tickers: USDC, USDT, DAI, payment/infrastructure ecosystems (ETH, SOL, XLM, L2s)
9. Crypto Deal-Making Hits Record Levels in 2025 (M&A as a Market Signal)
What happened: Reports citing PitchBook/FT data noted 2025 as a record year for crypto deals, with consolidation and acquisitions accelerating.
Why it matters: M&A tends to rise when the industry believes the long-term opportunity is intact — and when players are positioning for the next cycle of growth.
Most impacted tickers: Exchange/infrastructure sector, derivatives platforms, custody, large-cap ecosystem tokens
10. Holiday Season Scam Wave Intensifies (AI-Enhanced Phishing + Fraud)
What happened: Security reporting highlighted a surge in holiday phishing and scam campaigns, increasingly powered by AI to look convincing.
Why it matters: During volatile weeks, scam activity spikes because emotions are high. The fastest way to lose money in crypto is often not price — it’s compromised accounts.
Most impacted tickers: All users (security risk), exchanges, wallet users, self-custody community
3) What SPI Readers Should Do This Week (Simple Action Plan)
- 1. Treat this as a volatility week: Size positions smaller than usual and avoid revenge trading.
- 2. Watch ETF flows + liquidity: If outflows persist, rallies can fade quickly. If flows stabilize, confidence improves.
- 3. Avoid leverage traps: Volatility + thin liquidity is where liquidation wicks happen.
- 4. Upgrade your security: Use 2FA, avoid clicking links, and keep seed phrases offline. Holiday scams are real.
- 5. Use a checklist for DeFi yield: If you’re earning yield, don’t chase APY — follow a safety process.
To reduce risk in yield strategies, start here: DeFi Safety Checklist (SPI) .
If you want the mindset side (the part most people skip), read: The Psychology of Money — Building a Long-Term Wealth Mindset .
4) Sources (Light, Credible References)
- Economic Times — BTC near $90K, ETH above $3K (29 Dec 2025)
- Reuters — JPMorgan exploring crypto trading (22 Dec 2025)
- Barron’s — Strategy pauses BTC buys (week ending 21 Dec 2025)
- FXLeaders — ETF outflows / institutional pullback (24 Dec 2025)
- Investor’s Business Daily — Shift4 stablecoin settlements (23 Dec 2025)
Nothing here is financial advice. This is educational market intelligence to help you think clearly and act safely.
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