Core Insights - The next phase of crypto growth is characterized by a shift towards everyday use, with payments, savings, and risk management becoming the main drivers of sustained activity rather than speculation [1][5] Adoption Trends - Crypto is increasingly being adopted as everyday money, especially in regions with unreliable or inaccessible traditional financial systems, serving as a practical tool for saving, spending, and transferring value [2] - In the Global South, demand for stablecoins has surged, filling gaps left by inflation, capital controls, and weak banking infrastructure, allowing users to hold value in a stable currency [3] Privacy and Security - The use of stablecoins like USDT in regions such as Nicaragua provides a means for individuals to store wealth and pay for necessities while protecting against theft and malice, highlighting the importance of privacy in crypto transactions [4] Market Dynamics - Adoption is driven by necessity rather than enthusiasm, with growth continuing regardless of market cycles, and stablecoins becoming central to global crypto functionality [5] - The role of stablecoins is expanding beyond emerging markets into developed economies, positioning them as core financial tools rather than temporary solutions [6]

Mac, tell us about Bitcoin. We're just showing it and there's red all over the board. >> Yes, there is, Scott.Bitcoin in the broader crypto market is under pressure today, breaking from the strength that we're seeing in tech equities. Bitcoin trading at that 88k level and altcoins like XRP are in the red. Spot Bitcoin ETFs are net negative on the week, a sign that institutional demand is cooling for now.Analysts, they say this looks like classic year-end tax laws selling as investors lock in write-offs. And ...

Bitcoin bear market. Photo by BeInCrypto This year, crypto looked less like an experiment and more like a maturing market, shaped by institutional consolidation, faster-moving regulation, and growing macroeconomic pressure.  As the industry moves toward 2026, its direction will depend on which assets can withstand institutional scrutiny and how recession risk, monetary policy shifts, and stablecoin adoption reshape crypto’s place within the dollar-based financial order. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0 ...

ETHZilla, a cryptocurrency accumulator backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, appears to be shifting focus as investors abandon what was briefly one of the stock market's hottest trades. Just four months after the former 180 Life Sciences Corp. rebranded itself as a digital asset treasury company centered on buying Ether - the second largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin - it sold $74.5 million worth of the tokens to pay down debt, according to a filing Friday with the SEC. Bloomberg's David Pan reports on "Blo ...

Today, Bitcoin falls following the release of new economic data that came in well above expectations. The digital asset community reacts to key crypto ally Senator Cynthia Lumis announcing her retirement. And former CFTC acting chair Caroline Fam discusses what she hopes to achieve in her new roles at Moon.Welcome to CNBC's Crypto World. I'm Talia Kaplan. Major cryptocurrencies in the red despite the release of new economic data that came in well above expectations.As of noon Eastern, Bitcoin slid to the $8 ...

🇧🇹 LATEST: Bhutan is quietly building a state-backed “green Bitcoin economy,” using surplus hydropower to mine $BTC under strict regulatory guardrails. https://t.co/rBgOHHdJ1V ...

Cybercriminals stole $2.7 billion in crypto this year, a new record for crypto-stealing hacks, according to blockchain-monitoring firms. Once again, in 2025, there were dozens of crypto heists hitting several cryptocurrency exchanges and other web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. The biggest hack by far was the breach at Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit, where hackers stole around $1.4 billion in crypto. Blockchain analysis firms, as well as the FBI, accused North Korean government hackers — t ...

Key Takeaways Strategy expanded Bitcoin holdings to about 671,000 BTC in 2025, including a 10,645 BTC buy in mid-December.MSTR posted 26% BTC yield YTD and 116,555 BTC gains, with Bitcoin per share rising despite new equity.Regulatory clarity and a new S&P B- credit rating expand capital access, backing a 30% BTC yield for 2025.Strategy Inc. (MSTR) continues to deepen its identity as the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, with 2025 marking a decisive acceleration in Bitcoin accretion. In 2025, the co ...

SINCE THEN, IT HAS EASED A LITTLE BIT. KATIE. KATIE: AND AMID ALL THIS VOLATILITY, J. P. MORGAN IS CONSIDERING OFFERING CRYPTO TRADING TO ITS INSTITUTIONAL CLIENTS AS LARGE BANKS DEEPEN THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS ASSET CLASS. FOR MORE, WE'RE JOINED BY THE REPORTER ON DIGITAL ASSETS AND PAYMENTS FOR BLOOMBERG. >> LIVE FROM NEW YORK, I'M SCARLET FU. KATIE: WELCOME TO "BLOOMBERG CRYPTO," SHAPING THE WORLD OF DECENTRALIZED FINANCE. SCARLET: BITCOIN HAVING ITS WORST DAY IN ALMOST A WEEK WEIGHS CLOSE OUT 2025, A Y ...

Consumer Confidence and Economic Outlook - Consumer confidence data for December came in at 89.1%, below the expected 91, but higher than November's reading, which was the second lowest since the pandemic [6][8] - The current conditions index has significantly declined, indicating consumers are feeling worse about their financial situation, with a notable drop into negative territory for the first time in four years [11][12] - A slowdown in economic growth is expected going into 2026, influenced by high inflation and tariffs impacting consumer prices [14][19] Restaurant Industry Trends - The restaurant industry is experiencing a shift, with a 10% move away from dining out towards grocery shopping due to high prices, particularly in the QSR burger segment, which has seen over 50% price increases since 2019 [44][45] - Domino's Pizza is identified as a top pick for 2026, having only increased prices by about 27% since 2019, making it more affordable compared to QSR burger chains [47][48] - The value meal strategy is becoming crucial as QSR chains like McDonald's aim to regain lost customers by suppressing check growth to align with grocery inflation [51] Venture Capital and AI Investment - In 2025, 40% of deals and 65% of capital invested were in AI companies, indicating a strong focus on AI across various sectors, including life sciences and fintech [79][80] - The investment environment for AI companies is expected to remain robust in 2026, with a quality gap emerging where only companies meeting high growth benchmarks will attract significant funding [82][83] - The IPO landscape is anticipated to be favorable for sectors like crypto and AI, with companies like Circle benefiting from regulatory support [84][86] Tax Implications for Consumers - The child tax credit has been increased by $200, and a new $6,000 deduction for seniors will be available, providing some tax relief for families in 2026 [21][25] - Tariffs are estimated to cost US households an average of $1,100 in 2025, expected to rise to $1,400 in 2026, impacting consumer spending and sentiment [27][29] - Despite tax cuts, the burden of tariffs may lead consumers to feel worse off, as the perception of affordability is affected by rising prices [40][42] Future of Circle and Economic Infrastructure - Circle's CEO envisions the company playing a significant role in the future economic infrastructure, focusing on AI-driven productivity gains and the frictionless exchange of value [70][72] - The company aims to be foundational to a new economic system that integrates AI and enhances global economic prosperity through innovative financial solutions [75][76]