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Ether Price Surged 120% After Staking Queue Overtook Exit Queue
Ethereum’s Staking Dynamics Signal Potential Bullish Momentum
The amount of Ether queued for staking has recently surpassed the amount awaited for unstaking, a development historically correlated with significant price rallies. This shift reflects increased confidence among validators and could herald a bullish period for Ether.
Key Takeaways
Ethereum’s validator entry queue exceeds the exit queue for the first time since June, indicating strong staking interest.
Market sentiment suggests Ethereum could rise above $2,750, with technical analysis pointing to a possible target of $5,000 by 2026.
The validator queue surpasses previous levels recorded in March and June, preceding substantial price increases.
Continued increase in staked Ether and network activity may support sustained bullish momentum.
Ethereum Validator Entry Surpasses Exit
The validator entry queue for Ethereum has grown to 745,619 ETH, valued at approximately $2.2 billion, with an average wait time of 13 days. This marks the first time since June that the incoming staking volume has overtaken the amount scheduled for unstaking, which currently stands at 360,528 ETH, or roughly $1.06 billion. This shift suggests a preference among validators to hold onto their ETH rather than sell, reducing downward pressure on the price.
Data from ValidatorQueue indicates that the total number of active validators exceeds 983,371, accounting for about 29.3% of the total ETH supply, or around 35.5 million ETH. Experts note that recent protocol upgrades, such as the Pectra update, have enhanced staking usability and increased validator limits, encouraging larger balances and longer-term commitments.
“The validator entry queue just flipped the exit queue,” remarked DefiIgnas on social media, highlighting the importance of this development. “The last time this happened in June, ETH doubled shortly after.”
Number of Ether queued for staking entry and exit. Source: Validator Queue
Historically, similar patterns in March and June have preceded Ether rallies of 90% and 126%, respectively. If history rewinds, Ethereum could potentially reach $5,000 by 2026, driven by increasing staking activity, overall network utilization, and declining transaction fees.
Technical Outlook Supports Bullish Target
Current technical indicators for Ether mirror a setup that previously ignited significant gains in late 2024. The price has been consolidating between $2,750 and $3,200, resembling a pattern observed in mid-2024. Once the asset clears the $2,750 resistance, a subsequent rally toward $4,100—up 74.5% from recent lows—becomes plausible.
ETH/USD weekly chart. Source: TradingView
Market analysts emphasize that maintaining above $2,750 is crucial, as historical models suggest a potential surge to roughly $5,120 if bullish momentum persists. Trader Titan of Crypto noted that Ether has already retraced 61.8% of its previous impulsive wave, reinforcing the significance of this level.
“$2,750 is the key level to watch over the coming weeks,” Titan advised.
Conclusion
As network activity intensifies and validator interest continues to grow, Ethereum’s bullish outlook appears reinforced. While some experts warn of potential bull traps, the current on-chain fundamentals and technical patterns point toward a favorable environment for further appreciation in Ether’s price.
This assessment underscores the importance of monitoring validator trends and technical levels for traders and investors navigating Ethereum’s evolving landscape.
This article was originally published as Ether Price Surged 120% After Staking Queue Overtook Exit Queue on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Crypto ETPs Face $446M Outflows as Year-End Sentiment Dives
Crypto ETPs Witness Continued Outflows Amid Market Caution
Recent data indicates that crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) experienced net outflows of $446 million last week, extending a trend of cautious investor activity that has persisted since the sharp market correction in October. Despite strong year-to-date inflows totaling $463 billion, investor confidence appears to remain fragile as the year winds down.
According to CoinShares, total assets under management (AuM) have only increased by around 10% this year, suggesting that many investors have yet to see meaningful positive returns once inflows are considered. The latest flows reveal a divergence in investor sentiment: while Bitcoin and Ether products continued to decline, newer XRP and Solana ETPs attracted fresh capital, indicating a strategic rotation rather than outright exits.
Weekly ETP flows by crypto asset in millions. Source: CoinShares
XRP and Solana ETFs Resist Broader Market Pullback
Among the standout performers, XRP and Solana exchange-traded products posted the strongest inflows, attracting $70.2 million and $7.5 million respectively. Data from SoSoValue shows that XRP ETFs have not experienced a single outflow day since their launch, and Solana ETFs encountered only three days of outflows. Since mid-October, XRP ETFs have accumulated over $1 billion in net inflows, countering the broader risk-off sentiment that has impacted older crypto ETPs. Solana products also saw around $750 million in cumulative inflows.
In contrast, Bitcoin-based products faced weekly outflows of $443 million, and Ether ETFs saw outflows of $59.5 million. Since the launch of the newer ETFs, Bitcoin and Ether funds have collectively seen withdrawals of approximately $2.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.
This data suggests that, as 2025 nears its end, the crypto investment landscape is becoming more disciplined. Instead of capitulation, investors are practicing targeted positioning, favoring select assets over broad exposure. This shift reflects a cautious yet engaged market approaching the year’s close.
Regional Divergence: US Outflows and German Buying Spree
Regional analysis reveals that outflows were predominantly concentrated in the United States, where investor caution increased amid ongoing volatility. CoinShares reports weekly US outflows of about $460 million, marking a significant portion of the global redemptions and underscoring a defensive posture following October’s market downturn.
Conversely, German investors continue to show confidence, with roughly $35.7 million in weekly inflows. The month-to-date total for Germany stands at about $248 million, the strongest among regions. This continued buying activity suggests that German investors view recent price declines as buying opportunities rather than signs of distress.
This article was originally published as Crypto ETPs Face $446M Outflows as Year-End Sentiment Dives on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Ethereum Near $3,000 as BitMine Strengthens Bullish Outlook
Ethereum inched higher over the past 24 hours, trading at $2,939 as of 01:49 a.m. EST, even as market participation cooled sharply. Data shows trading volume fell 44% to about $7.9 billion, signaling hesitation among traders while the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency continues to hover just below the psychologically important $3,000 level.
Despite the muted activity, large financial players remain increasingly bullish on Ethereum. BitMine Immersion Technologies, led by prominent Wall Street strategist Tom Lee, has deepened its commitment to the asset by staking 342,560 ETH, a position valued at roughly $1 billion at current prices. The move underscores growing institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term role within digital finance.
BitMine Emerges as One of Ethereum’s Largest Holders
The BitMine has become one of the largest digital asset treasury companies in the market. The company has publicly listed plans of dominating approximately 5% of the entire supply of Ethereum. It currently is said to have over 4 million ETH, which is roughly 3.4 percent of all currently in circulation, making it one of the largest Ether holders in the world.
The overall market mood this week is not only being informed by crypto-specific issues but also by geopolitical events.
Investors are watching keenly a planned meeting between a Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, which will be held Sunday in Palm Beach, Florida. The negotiations are seeking the possibility of finding a solution to the almost four years invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
JUST IN: The White House has moved PRESIDENT TRUMP'S meeting with Zelensky in Florida tomorrow to 1PM ET
PRAY FOR PEACE.
Trump wants to end the Russia-Ukraine war for the new year! pic.twitter.com/3v41Y9dkY7
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 28, 2025
The situation led up to the meeting with a massive airstrike by Russian troops on Kyiv and major Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This has added more uncertainties to the international markets such as cryptocurrency which tends to respond to changes in macroeconomic and geopolitical risk.
Ethereum Consolidates After Sharp Market Correction
Technically Ethereum is in the phase of consolidation after experiencing a major pullback earlier in the year. Having reached almost $4,927, ETH developed a rounded top structure and entered a long-term correction, falling to the level of the $2,700. The level corresponding to the 0.786 Fibonacci retracement has to date served as a strong support area, and allowed the market to keep falling short.
The price action has now closed in on a sideways price range and every effort to make a gain higher has ended below the resistance at around 3,300. Ether remains below its 50 day simple moving average which is around $3,052, and its 200 day SMA of approximately 3,585 and bears are still in the market. An already established “death cross still looms on sentiment.
Momentum indicators are indicating some stabilization and not a decisive reversal of trend. It has a daily Relative Strength Index that is close to 44 slightly more than the recent lows but still below the 50 level, which means ETH is in a neutral-to-bearish technical position.
Going forward, analysts indicate that the next step will depend on whether the buyers will be able to hold the 2,700 support.
The long-term resistance at this point of 3,300, may see the relief rally opening to 3,300, and the continuation of the upward growth to hit 3,550 to 3,585 where the 200-day SMA and the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement coincide.
On the flipside, any definite daily close at or under 2,700 may put Ethereum at further risk while the supports are projected to be around 2,200.
At least, Ethereum is stuck between high institutional hope and market reserve as traders await smarter indicators on the charts and the international front.
Tom Lee(@fundstrat)’s #Bitmine continues moving $ETH into staking.
Over the past 2 days, #Bitmine has staked 342,560 $ETH($1B).https://t.co/P684j5YQaGhttps://t.co/pXHT9mCPUC pic.twitter.com/0Y9XBShQzI
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 28, 2025
This article was originally published as Ethereum Near $3,000 as BitMine Strengthens Bullish Outlook on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Reaches Final 2025 Adjustment Increase
Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Sees Slight Increase as Network Adjusts for 2026
The Bitcoin network’s mining difficulty has edged higher, reaching 148.2 trillion in the latest adjustment and is expected to rise again in early January 2026. This adjustment reflects the network’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability amidst fluctuating mining activity and market conditions.
The upcoming difficulty recalibration is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at block height 931,392, where estimates project the difficulty to increase to approximately 149 trillion, according to data from CoinWarz. Currently, the average block time stands at around 9.95 minutes, slightly below the 10-minute target, prompting expectations of an upward adjustment to help realign block times with the target interval.
Throughout 2025, Bitcoin mining difficulty has reached historic highs, spiking notably during two sharp rises in September. These surges coincided with a broader uptrend in Bitcoin prices before a significant market decline in October, driven by macroeconomic factors and a historic market crash. The increasing difficulty underscores a dynamic environment where miners face heightened operational costs, as they are compelled to allocate more computational power and energy resources to sustain profitability.
The Bitcoin mining difficulty history from 2014-2025. Source: CoinWarz
The adaptive nature of Bitcoin’s difficulty adjustment protocol plays a crucial role in maintaining the network’s decentralization and security. This adjustment process occurs every 2016 blocks, roughly two weeks, modifying the challenge level based on the time taken to mine previous blocks. When blocks are mined faster than the 10-minute target, difficulty increases; when slower, it decreases, ensuring a balanced addition of new blocks.
A gauge showing block progress toward the next adjustment period. Source: CoinWarz
This mechanism exists to prevent any single miner or group from monopolizing the network by rapidly increasing their share of computational power, thereby maintaining Bitcoin’s core principle of decentralization. However, the rise in network hashrate signals a potential for concentrated mining power, which could still threaten network integrity if a dominant miner or consortium attempts a 51% attack—a scenario where they control the majority of computational resources, risking double-spending and undermining trust in the blockchain.
Even absent a 51% attack, the substantial computational resources deployed by miners, combined with rising difficulty, can lead to increased selling pressure, as miners may liquidate their mined Bitcoin to recoup costs, exerting downward pressure on prices. The continual adjustment of mining difficulty, aligned with total network hashing power, aims to preserve decentralization and stability, safeguarding Bitcoin’s price and supply schedule in a volatile environment.
This article was originally published as Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Reaches Final 2025 Adjustment Increase on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Mirae Asset Negotiates Acquisition of Korean Cryptocurrency Exchange Korbit
Major Korean Financial Group Eyeing Acquisition of Korbit
Mirae Asset Group is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Korbit, South Korea’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange, in a deal valued between approximately 70 million to 100 million US dollars. This move signals increased interest from prominent financial entities in the digital asset market amid ongoing regulatory developments in South Korea.
The potential acquisition would be spearheaded by Mirae Asset Consulting, a non-financial affiliate of Mirae Asset Group. According to reports from The Chosun Daily, the group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korbit’s main shareholders, signaling serious intent to finalize the deal. Korbit’s ownership is primarily divided between NXC and its subsidiary Simple Capital Futures, which collectively control around 60.5%. An additional 31.5% stake is held by SK Square.
Korbit boasts a comprehensive operating license and robust compliance infrastructure, making it an attractive entry point for large financial institutions seeking regulated exposure to digital assets. Despite its strategic advantages, Korbit’s market share remains modest, with data from CoinGecko indicating it accounts for less than 1% of South Korea’s daily crypto trading volume, which totals approximately $1.21 billion across six local exchanges. In comparison, Upbit dominates the market with over $768 million in daily trading volume, followed by Bithumb and Coinone with nearly $298 million and $135 million respectively.
Top Korean crypto exchanges. Source: CoinGecko
In related developments, Naver Financial has announced plans to acquire Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, through a stock-swap transaction valued at around 15.1 trillion Korean won ($10.3 billion). Under this agreement, Naver will issue approximately 87.56 million new shares to Dunamu shareholders, resulting in Dunamu becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, scheduled for approval on May 22, 2026, and completion by June 30, is still pending regulatory review. Naver’s initiative includes the launch of a Korean won-backed stablecoin and other digital finance projects, signaling further expansion into the crypto space. The move consolidates the digital financial ambitions of one of South Korea’s largest tech conglomerates while potentially shaping the future landscape of local crypto trading and regulation.
This article was originally published as Mirae Asset Negotiates Acquisition of Korean Cryptocurrency Exchange Korbit on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Bitcoin’s Urgent Mission: Securing a Green 2025 Yearly Candle
Bitcoin Approaches Year-End with Consolidation and Speculation on 2026 Price Targets
Bitcoin has experienced a relatively tranquil weekend trading session, with the flagship cryptocurrency maintaining its position near key support levels ahead of the yearly close. Analysts and traders are closely watchful of technical cues and macroeconomic factors that could influence its trajectory into early 2026.
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin exhibits a three-day bullish divergence, indicating potential upside momentum.
Market sentiment is cautious, with some analysts suggesting a possible rebound towards $100,000.
The year-to-date performance remains subdued, with BTC down approximately 6%, possibly marking a rare bearish post-halving year.
Seasonal trading patterns and macroeconomic factors are expected to play significant roles in January’s price movements.
Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin, BTC
Sentiment: Neutral to cautiously Bullish
Price impact: Neutral, as the market consolidates before potential directional move
Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, awaiting confirmation of breakout signals or macroeconomic shifts
Market context: Broader macroeconomic uncertainty and seasonal capital shifts influence Bitcoin’s near-term prospects
Technical and Fundamental Outlook
Over the weekend, Bitcoin’s price hovered around $88,000, reflecting a period of low volatility after a series of “fakeout” moves driven by liquidity hunts amid a record $24 billion options expiry. Traders have noted that such expiries often act as resistance points, temporarily suppressing price action. Meanwhile, technical analysis points to a bullish divergence on the three-day relative strength index (RSI), which some traders interpret as a potential sign of trend reversal. Trader Jelle highlighted this pattern, referencing historical instances where similar divergences preceded significant lows and subsequent rallies.
“Bitcoin locked in a three-day bullish divergence, right on top of key support,” said trader Jelle, referencing a recent X post. “History suggests it might be repeating itself.”
Institutional activity is also a key focal point. Trader BitBull emphasized that early January typically sees institutional reallocation into underperforming assets, sparking potential breakout scenarios toward a $100,000 target. He projected that sideways movement could persist for several more days before a decisive move occurs, supported by seasonal tendencies.
Meanwhile, analyst Aksel Kibar noted the low volatility environment, explaining that high volatility often follows sustained upside during quarters of stronger gains. This cyclical pattern suggests the current calm may precede a breakout, provided that macroeconomic conditions align.
End-of-Year and Cycle Analysis
As 2025 nears its conclusion, focus shifts toward the year’s candle close. Bitcoin’s year-to-date loss of approximately 6% marks its first red post-halving year in over a decade, fueling debate among analysts about the validity of traditional four-year cycle theories. Some suggest that the established cycle may be evolving, with the possibility of a significant retest of the annual open level around $93,500. Keith Alan of Material Indicators highlighted that the candle’s closing direction—red or green—will be critical in shaping the next phase of the market.
In summary, Bitcoin faces a pivotal moment heading into 2026, with technical signals hinting at a potential rebound amid macroeconomic uncertainties. The coming days are expected to reveal whether the King of Crypto can sustain its support levels and initiate a new rally towards six figures.
This article was originally published as Bitcoin’s Urgent Mission: Securing a Green 2025 Yearly Candle on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.
Bitcoin ETFs Lose $782M During Christmas Week Amid Ongoing Outflows
Crypto Market Sees Significant Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs Amid Holiday Season
The past week has witnessed notable withdrawals from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with investors pulling a total of $782 million during the Christmas period, according to data from SoSoValue. The most substantial single-day outflow occurred on Friday, when Bitcoin ETFs experienced net withdrawals of $276 million. BlackRock’s iBIT ETF led the decline with close to $193 million exiting the fund, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC, which saw $74 million redeemed. Grayscale’s GBTC also experienced modest redemptions amid this trend.
Overall, the total net assets across US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs declined to roughly $113.5 billion by Friday, down from over $120 billion earlier in December. Despite Bitcoin prices maintaining a steady level near $87,000, investor demand appears to be waning. Notably, Friday marked the sixth consecutive day of net outflows, marking the longest streak of withdrawals since early autumn, cumulatively exceeding $1.1 billion over this period.
Performance of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in December. Source: SoSoValue
Holiday Season Outflows Are Likely Temporary
Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, highlighted that the outflows during the holiday period are typical, driven by seasonal portfolio adjustments and reduced liquidity. “As trading desks return in early January, institutional flows generally re-engage and stabilize,” Liu explained. He anticipates that the market conditions will improve early in the new year, with institutional participation resuming as capital flows normalize.
Looking ahead, Liu pointed to the possibility of Federal Reserve easing in 2026, which could bolster ETF demand. Market pricing already indicates expectations of rate cuts between 75 and 100 basis points. He also noted the scaling of crypto infrastructure by banking institutions, which could facilitate larger allocations into digital assets.
Waning Institutional Demand Evidenced by ETF Outflows
Recent reports from Glassnode reveal that Bitcoin and Ether ETFs have entered a sustained phase of outflows, a sign that institutional investors are retracting their exposure to cryptocurrencies. Since early November, the 30-day moving average of net flows into US spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs has remained negative, indicating reduced participation amid tightening market liquidity. These ETFs are often viewed as a proxy for institutional sentiment, and the persistent outflows suggest a turning point in institutional engagement after a year marked by significant market influence from large investors.
As market dynamics evolve, the trajectory of institutional involvement will be critical to watch, especially as broader macroeconomic factors and regulatory developments continue to shape the crypto landscape.
This article was originally published as Bitcoin ETFs Lose $782M During Christmas Week Amid Ongoing Outflows on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.