Barclays flags down-year risk for crypto as spot volumes slide into 2026

Nasdaq is exploring the possibility of extending its trading hours to 23 hours a day in response to increasing investor demand, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector where trading occurs around the clock. This move acknowledges that many clients are already active during overnight hours, reflecting a shift in trading behavior influenced by the crypto market.

Coinbase is set to unveil significant updates, including tokenized assets and onchain AI agents, as part of its strategic pivot to redefine its business model in the cryptocurrency sector. This milestone reflects the company's commitment to innovation and adapting to evolving market demands.

The UAE is emerging as a significant hub for cryptocurrency as Coinbase and Ripple align their strategies to capitalize on the region's growing market. This collaboration signals a shift in market gravity towards the Gulf, highlighting the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in digital finance.

Barclays has projected a challenging year for the cryptocurrency market in 2026, citing a decline in spot trading volumes and diminishing investor enthusiasm due to a lack of significant growth catalysts. Analysts indicate that without major developments, the market may struggle to regain momentum.

Standard Chartered and Coinbase announced an expanded collaboration on December 12, 2025, aimed at developing a suite of services for institutional investors, focusing on trading, prime services, custody, staking, and lending. This partnership is expected to enhance the infrastructure for cryptocurrency transactions and services tailored to institutional needs.

Coinbase is preparing to launch new prediction markets and tokenized equities on December 17, which could reshape the landscape of on-chain finance and trading. This initiative follows a series of developments aimed at diversifying its offerings in the cryptocurrency space. Additionally, a solo Bitcoin miner has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully mining a block against odds of 30,000-to-1.

Standard Chartered and Coinbase are expanding their partnership to enhance trading, custody, and financing services tailored for institutional crypto clients. This collaboration aims to build a robust infrastructure that supports the growing demand for cryptocurrency solutions among large-scale investors.

Bitcoin's price has been fluctuating between $89,000 and $93,000, indicating a struggle between bullish and bearish market forces. Recent on-chain data suggests that this sideways movement is linked to the uneven distribution of Bitcoin's total supply, with analysts like Darkfost highlighting the potential for a decline below $80,000.