Crypto prices today (Dec. 18): BTC, XRP, DOGE, HYPE slide amid Wall Street-driven sell-off

JPMorgan is reportedly considering offering cryptocurrency trading services to institutional clients, reflecting a significant shift in the bank's strategy under CEO Jamie Dimon as regulatory clarity around the sector improves. This move comes amid growing demand for bank-grade cryptocurrency services, particularly from hedge funds and pensions.

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.

XRP has fallen below the critical support level of $1.95 for the first time in 13 months, as noted by crypto analyst Guy on the Earth. This breach indicates a significant shift in market dynamics, with the analyst projecting a potential target of $0.90 if the downward trend continues.

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.