Crypto News Today, December 18 – Bitcoin Price Holds $85K Support as PIPPIN Leads Meme Coin and AI Sector: Next 100x Crypto?

The Ontario Securities Commission has approved Matador's plan to raise $58 million, which will be utilized to expand its Bitcoin treasury. This decision marks a significant step for the company as it seeks to enhance its cryptocurrency holdings in a rapidly evolving market.

Bitcoin has maintained a strong presence in financial markets, according to Anthony Pompliano, despite not reaching the most ambitious price targets for 2025. The cryptocurrency's year-end price movements have been relatively stable, suggesting a lack of extreme volatility that could lead to a significant downturn in the first quarter of the following year.

JPMorgan is reportedly exploring ways to deepen its exposure to Bitcoin, reflecting a significant shift in the bank's strategy as institutional interest in cryptocurrency grows. This move comes amid improving regulatory clarity, which has prompted the bank to consider offering cryptocurrency trading services to institutional clients.

The U.S. economy has shown unexpected growth, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, yet Bitcoin's price has declined, reflecting ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Despite positive economic indicators, Bitcoin has struggled to maintain stability, recently falling below $89,000 amid liquidity concerns and market fluctuations.

Brazil's live orchestra has received approval to transform Bitcoin price movements into musical compositions, with a live performance scheduled in the federal capital, marking a unique intersection of art and cryptocurrency.

David Schassler of VanEck has projected that Bitcoin will emerge as a top performer in 2026, anticipating a significant rebound for both Bitcoin and gold as investor demand for hard assets is expected to rise. This outlook comes after a challenging year for Bitcoin, which has seen its value fluctuate amid market uncertainties.

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have experienced a third consecutive day of outflows, while Ether ETFs have turned positive, indicating a shift in investor sentiment. This development comes amidst a broader market context where Bitcoin and Ether have faced significant losses recently, collectively shedding $1.14 billion in value due to liquidity concerns.

Bitcoin's price has seen a significant decline from its peak of $126,000, leading to increased speculation about a potential bear market phase. Recent on-chain indicators suggest that Bitcoin may have entered this bearish phase, with network activity showing signs of cooling.