Crypto Lags Despite Liquidity Surge and Market Tailwinds

The US banking regulator has permitted banks to hold cryptocurrencies to pay network fees, a decision that could significantly enhance the integration of traditional banking with the cryptocurrency sector. This regulatory change is expected to reshape financial services and payment systems, allowing banks to engage more actively in the crypto market.

The Santa Rally, a term used to describe the stock market's upward trend during the holiday season, raises the question of whether retail investors or large 'whales' are the primary drivers of this phenomenon. Recent analyses suggest that both retail FOMO (fear of missing out) and significant capital flows from whales contribute to the December market surge in stocks and cryptocurrencies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors navigating the volatile market landscape.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released its latest examination priorities document for 2026, which notably does not include cryptocurrency as a focus area. This marks a departure from previous years where crypto was highlighted, raising concerns about the regulatory landscape for digital assets. The absence of crypto in the SEC's priorities may signal a shift in focus or a response to ongoing market conditions.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released its examination priorities for 2026, which notably do not include cryptocurrency as a focus area. This marks a significant shift from previous years where crypto was highlighted, raising concerns among industry stakeholders about the regulatory landscape. The omission suggests a potential decrease in regulatory scrutiny for the crypto sector, which could impact investor confidence and market dynamics.

Bitcoin has experienced a significant pullback, dropping below the key $100,000 price mark last week. Currently, the cryptocurrency is trading between $95,000 and $95,100. Despite this decline, the current drawdown remains milder than previous major corrections, indicating a less severe market reaction compared to past fluctuations.

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a Senate proposal that would allow the imposition of tariffs up to 500% on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. The proposed tariffs would apply to oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and uranium, targeting major buyers like India and China. This measure aims to reduce Russia's export revenues, although it remains a proposal and has not yet become law. The announcement has caused significant volatility in the cryptocurrency market.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has fallen back to its lowest levels since 2022, reflecting a significant downturn in the cryptocurrency market. On November 17, Bitcoin's price dropped to $93,000, contributing to increased liquidation pressure across major assets. This decline in the index indicates heightened fear among investors, suggesting a bearish sentiment in the market as prices tumble.

Harvard University's endowment has significantly increased its investment in Bitcoin by making a spot Bitcoin ETF its largest reported US equity holding. This move indicates a growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a viable asset. Additionally, the Bitcoin Hyper presale is approaching $28 million, aiming to enhance Bitcoin's transaction speed and reduce fees, which could further support its adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain activities.