SEC Approves Bitcoin-Ether Index ETFs
The SEC has taken a significant step toward crypto adoption by approving Hashdex and Franklin Templeton’s Bitcoin-Ether index ETFs. Hashdex’s Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF will trade on Nasdaq, while Franklin’s Crypto Index ETF will trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, with both ETFs tracking spot Bitcoin and Ether. The approvals signal broader regulatory acceptance of crypto-based investment products based on the Exchange Act’s anti-fraud and investor protection criteria. Analysts say this could prompt other major firms like BlackRock to make similar moves, highlighting the increased demand for crypto investments.
MicroStrategy May Halt Bitcoin Purchases in January
Rumors that MicroStrategy may temporarily halt Bitcoin (BTC) purchases in January have caused concern among investors. It is claimed that the company may make this decision due to a “blackout period” affecting the issuance of stocks or convertible debt. Such periods are usually implemented for companies to comply with regulations or to prevent the perception of non-compliance. Speculation suggests that it may be related to the company’s inclusion in the NASDAQ 100 or internal regulations related to quarterly closings. Given that MicroStrategy owns $46.02 billion worth of Bitcoin and MSTR shares have gained 460% this year, the potential hiatus is unlikely to impact its long-term strategy.
Mo Shaikh Steps Down as Aptos Labs CEO
Aptos Labs co-founder and CEO Mo Shaikh has announced that he is stepping down from his role in order to “turn over a new leaf,” handing over the leadership role to co-founder and CTO Avery Ching. Ching will focus on technological innovation and accelerating product delivery speed to strengthen the Aptos blockchain ecosystem. Shaikh expressed confidence that the company will deliver on its shared vision, emphasizing his passion for building the company. Aptos Labs, which developed the Layer 1 blockchain Aptos, recently added key advisors such as former Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein and OpenAI Product Manager Kevin Weil to its team.
Exodus Crypto Wallet Makes Wall Street Debut
Exodus Movement Inc., the fintech company best known for its self-custody Exodus crypto wallet, has started trading on Wall Street. The company is one of the few crypto-focused companies to make the move to major U.S. exchanges, trading on the NYSE American platform under the ticker symbol “EXOD.” Its shares rose 36% to $53.50 on its first day of trading, reaching an intraday high of $67.00. Although Exodus’s listing process faced approval delays from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it has been granted a listing permit by the end of 2024. The company is hoping that the SEC’s governance changes and Donald Trump’s election victory could bring a more positive approach to the sector. Since its founding in 2015, Exodus has grown rapidly by offering support for crypto assets and NFTs on more than 50 networks. It reported a net loss in 2024, but grew its revenue by 80% annually to $22.3 million.
Marathon Digital Purchases 15,574 More Bitcoin
MARA raised $1.925 billion through the issuance of 0% convertible notes in November and December. It expanded its portfolio by purchasing 15,574 Bitcoin with approximately $1.53 billion of this proceeds. These purchases, which were made at an average of $98,529 per Bitcoin, brought the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 44,394. As of now, MARA’s BTC holdings are worth $4.45 billion, and the company has returned 60.9% YTD and 22.5% QoQ. In addition, the company repurchased $263 million of its existing 2026 convertible notes and plans to use the remaining funds to purchase more Bitcoin. This strategy reflects MARA’s aggressive growth targets in Bitcoin investments and its efforts to strengthen its leadership position.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs on the Verge of Surpassing Gold ETFs
2024 was a year in which institutional adoption for Bitcoin (BTC) accelerated and digital assets reached a significant milestone. Specifically, in the U.S., spot Bitcoin ETFs overtook gold ETFs with $129.25 billion in assets under management (AUM). However, in terms of spot products alone, gold ETFs still narrowly surpass Bitcoin’s $120 billion AUM at $125 billion. This increase is attributed to the integration of Bitcoin into public balance sheets and successful ETF products, while strong open interest in CME Bitcoin futures suggests that Bitcoin ETFs could gain more momentum by the end of the year.
North Korean Hackers Responsible for 61% of Crypto Theft
In 2024, hackers with ties to North Korea stole a record $1.34 billion in crypto thefts. This represents a 102.88% increase from the previous year. According to the report by Chainalysis, the scale of the attacks increased, with large-scale attacks ($50-100 million and above) increasing. It was stated that the stolen cryptocurrencies were used to transfer to state-backed projects such as nuclear weapons and missile programs. While the total crypto value stolen in the first half of 2024 reached $1.58 billion, this amount decreased by 53.73% in the second half.
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BITCOIN (BTC)
BTC is priced at $ 96,950 with a 0.50% loss in value as of the morning hours. BTC, which fell by 2.74% yesterday, started the new day negatively. Although it showed negative movement, it seems to have encountered buyers from the important support zone of $ 96,283 – $ 97,746. It will be very important for BTC to stay above the levels of 96,283 and 97,030 for a positive trend. Then, the levels of $ 97,746 – $ 99,270 may be encountered as resistance. If these levels are broken and maintained above, the red zone above $ 101,257 may be met as the region with intense sellers. In a possible negative movement, the $96,283 level can be tested and if this level is broken and maintained below, $94,491 can be tested as another support level. In case of deeper sales, $90,809 maintains its support position. It will be important for investors to carefully monitor the identified critical support and resistance levels.
ETHEREUM (ETH)
ETH is priced at $ 3,385 as of the morning hours with a 0.93% loss in value. ETH, which closed yesterday with a 5.78% decrease, started the new day negatively and is moving above the support level of $ 3,373. If the negative trend continues, the 3,373 – 3,296 region seems to be the area where buyers are concentrated. If these levels are broken, the $ 3,260 level can be expected to work as support. Therefore, it is important for investors to carefully monitor the identified critical support and resistance levels.
RIPPLE (XRP)
XRP is priced at $ 2.3070 as of the morning hours with a 3.07% gain in value. XRP, which was little affected by the price declines in crypto assets yesterday evening, closed yesterday with a 3.09% decrease. For XRP, which started the new day positively, breaking the $ 2.3645 level will be important for the continuation of the positive trend. If it stays above this level, it can be expected that the $ 2.4935 and then the $ 2.6747 levels will work as resistance. In a possible negative trend, the 2.2305 – 2.16 band appears as the support zone. If it cannot hold on to these levels, a pullback to the 2.0740 level may be seen. For this reason, it is important for investors to carefully monitor the determined critical support and resistance levels.
AVALANCHE (AVAX)
AVAX is priced at $ 39.45 as of the morning hours with a 1.60% gain in value. Closing yesterday with a 9.23% decrease, AVAX started the new day with minor recoveries. For AVAX, which encountered buyers in the $ 37 – $ 38 band during the pullback that took place yesterday, it will be important for the 40.18 resistance level to continue the positive trend. If it stays above this level, the $42.50 – $44 band and then the $45.08 levels can be met as a strong resistance zone. In a possible negative movement, the $38.27 – $37.29 band can be met as an important support zone where buyers are concentrated. If it moves below these levels, a pullback to $33 levels can be seen. Therefore, it is important for investors to carefully monitor the identified critical support and resistance levels.
SOLANA (SOL)
SOL is priced at $ 194.90 as of the morning hours with a 0.45% gain in value. Closing yesterday with a 6.16% decrease, SOL started the new day with minor recoveries. SOL, which dropped to $ 187 levels during the night hours, is experiencing rapid purchases and is moving below the $ 200 resistance. For the positive trend to continue, it will be important for SOL to maintain its permanence above $ 200.13 and then $ 205.11. The area above $205 to $208 appears as a strong resistance area. In the event of a possible negative move, the levels of 191.26 and then 183.60 remain as support areas with buyers in abundance. It will be important for investors to carefully monitor the identified critical support and resistance levels.
