Daily Crypto Briefing – January 1, 2026

As 2026 begins, the crypto market reflects on a turbulent 2025 that defied many predictions and broke historical patterns. Here's your comprehensive roundup of the key developments from the past 24 hours.

Top Stories

2025 Predictions Scorecard: One Model Got It Right

CryptoSlate analysis reveals which bold forecasts from crypto's biggest names actually materialized. While most predictions of Bitcoin hitting $200,000 and Ethereum reaching $7,000 fell short, one overlooked model accurately predicted the market cycle dynamics.

Bitcoin Breaks Post-Halving Pattern

Cointelegraph reports Bitcoin entered a "new era" as 2025 closed in the red—the first post-halving year to end negative. Analysts suggest the traditional four-year cycle may be broken, with RSI indicators demanding a breakout.

$2.2 Billion in Crypto Hacks

The Block's comprehensive review shows crypto thefts reached $2.2 billion in 2025, matching the previous year's total. Major platforms from Bybit to GMX fell victim to various blockchain vulnerabilities.

Mark Cuban Wins Legal Victory

A federal judge dismissed the class-action lawsuit against Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks related to Voyager Digital's bankruptcy, ending a case that began in August 2022.

Regulation

Global Crypto Tax Reporting Begins

• New OECD-developed rules now require exchanges in 40+ countries to collect comprehensive transaction records
• UK's HMRC joins 47 nations implementing stricter reporting standards
• Rules target tax evasion and increase transparency across global markets

Turkmenistan Legalizes Mining

• Crypto mining officially approved but everyday crypto use remains restricted
• Policy may boost innovation while limiting broader digital adoption

El Salvador Doubles Down

• Country reinforces Bitcoin and AI strategy for 2026
• Positioning to challenge traditional "boomer economies" with tech-forward approach

Markets & Analysis

Investment Themes for 2026

• Cointelegraph identifies three key areas: Bitcoin, stablecoin infrastructure, and tokenized assets
• Investors rethinking traditional crypto cycles after volatile 2025
• Range-bound Bitcoin trading predicted between $80K-$140K

Stablecoin Growth in Asia

• Japan and South Korea lead local currency stablecoin initiatives
• Non-USD stablecoins gaining regulatory support across the region

Bitcoin

Tether Becomes Fifth-Largest Holder

• Added 8,888 BTC in Q4 2025, bringing total to 96,185 BTC
• $876 million buying spree elevates stablecoin issuer's position significantly

ETF Outflows Continue

• Bitcoin ETFs ended 2025 with $348 million in net outflows on final trading day
• Despite year-end weakness, crypto ETFs attracted $32 billion in fresh investor cash for 2025

Historical Patterns Suggest Recovery

• Bitcoin historically gains 10% in early January
• Long-term holders have stopped selling, indicating potential accumulation phase

Ethereum & DeFi

Vitalik's 2026 Vision

• Buterin outlines two critical goals for Ethereum to become the "world computer"
• Emphasis on usability and decentralization over trend-chasing
• Developer activity hits record pace despite price struggles below $3,000

Major Staking Developments

• Bitmine reaches 461,504 staked ETH worth nearly $1.4 billion
• Enhanced network security and staking dynamics expected

Jupiter V3 Launch

• New mobile trading terminal introduces enhanced features
• Could revolutionize decentralized trading with reduced costs and improved UX

Technology & Innovation

Ethereum Protocol Updates

• 2025 brought major changes including leadership overhauls and privacy roadmap expansion
• Bi-annual hard-fork cycle initiated with Pectra and Fusaka upgrades

Chainlink Institutional Growth

• Extended lead in on-chain finance as adoption reaches governments and banks
• Commerce data feeds and Mastercard integration highlight enterprise traction

Quick Hits

• Senate sets January 15 markup for CLARITY Act with DeFi amendments expected
• XRP exchange balances hit 8-year low but historical data questions bullish narrative
• Bitwise files for 11 altcoin ETFs targeting AAVE, UNI, SUI and others
• [Trust Wallet extension offline](https://cointelegraph.com/news/trust-wallet-ceo-google-chrome-browser-extension-delayed?utm_