Daily Crypto Briefing – December 29, 2025

The crypto markets are showing mixed signals as we approach year-end, with Bitcoin testing $90,000 resistance levels while institutional players continue accumulating. Here's what happened in the past 24 hours.

Top Stories

Bitcoin Analyst Warns Against Cycle-Based Trading

CryptoSlate reports that Plan C, creator of the Bitcoin Quantile Model, is pushing back against traditional cycle playbooks as Bitcoin trades around $87,661. The analyst warns that relying on historical patterns could be the "biggest financial mistake of the decade" for traders.

Hyperliquid Labs Set for Major Token Allocation

The Block confirms that Hyperliquid Labs will receive its first major HYPE token allocation worth approximately $31.2 million on January 6. The allocation comes as 1.2 million tokens unstake from the protocol.

Flow Blockchain Abandons Rollback Plan

CoinDesk reports that Flow has reversed course on its controversial blockchain rollback plan following community backlash. The layer-1 network had considered rewriting chain history after a $3.9 million exploit, but ecosystem partners warned this would undermine decentralization.

MicroStrategy Continues Bitcoin Accumulation

Cointelegraph notes that MicroStrategy purchased another 1,229 BTC for $109 million, bringing total holdings to 672,497 BTC. This caps an active year of accumulation for the company.

Markets

Bitcoin Tests $90,000 Resistance

• The Block reports Bitcoin climbed to $90,200 during thin holiday trading before retreating
• Analysts attribute the move to technical factors rather than fresh catalysts
• CoinJournal notes BTC is consolidating near $87K with downside risks persisting
• CryptoBriefing reports whales withdrew 1,600 Bitcoin worth nearly $144M from Binance

Prediction Markets Hit New Highs

• Decrypt highlights prediction markets reached $2B in weekly volume as regulatory hostility faded
• Mainstream players from CNN to the NHL adopted the trend throughout 2025

Regulation

China Unveils Digital Yuan Framework

CryptoBriefing reports China's new digital yuan management plan could reshape global financial systems. The Block adds that banks will be allowed to pay interest on digital yuan holdings starting January 1, 2026.

Japan Signals Crypto Tax Reform

CoinJournal notes Japan is planning to cut crypto taxes to 20%, though CryptoNews clarifies this applies only to "specified crypto assets."

Ethereum & DeFi

Bitmine Stakes Massive ETH Holdings

• The Block reports Tom Lee's Bitmine added 44,463 ETH and started staking operations
• CoinDesk confirms Bitmine's ether holdings now top 4.1 million tokens, representing over 3% of total supply
• CryptoNews notes the company staked over $1 billion in ETH in 48 hours

BlackRock's Tokenized Treasury Milestone

Cointelegraph reports BlackRock's BUIDL fund hit $100 million in payouts, demonstrating tokenized finance at scale.

Technology

Flow Blockchain Governance Crisis

CryptoNews details how Flow's rollback proposal following a $3.9 million hack left ecosystem partners "blindsided" before the plan was ultimately scrapped.

Trust Wallet Chrome Extension Hack

CryptoNews reports Trust Wallet confirmed a $7 million hack affecting its Chrome browser extension and launched a compensation process for affected users.

Quick Hits

• Crypto ETF Outflows: The Block reports crypto ETPs posted $446 million in weekly outflows, with XRP funds being the lone bright spot
• Arthur Hayes on Zcash: Cointelegraph notes the former BitMEX CEO sees ZEC's "first stop" at $1,000
• Korean Exchange Deal: The Block reports Mirae Asset is in talks to acquire Korbit for up to $100 million
• Russian Crypto Lending: CoinDesk confirms Sberbank issued Russia's first crypto-backed loan to bitcoin miner Intelion Data