Interest in crypto has gone quiet. Google searches for “crypto” are back near yearly lows, matching a market that still feels tired after the October wipeout.
Bitcoin is drifting between $80K and $90K, with opinions split: some expect another leg down, while others see the start of a slow grind higher. Security worries resurfaced, too, with the $7 million Trust Wallet breach reminding everyone how quickly user funds can be hit.
If you want the full story from a turbulent week, read the complete recap below.
Key Bitcoin (BTC) Catalysts to Watch in 2026
Bitcoin finished 2025 softer, lagging other assets after roughly a 7% pullback. Next year’s direction will likely hinge on Fed policy, possible passage of the CLARITY Act, and whether ETF inflows return in size. Charts still allow for a slide toward $70,000 before any recovery, with several analysts warning there may be “more pain before gain.”
Dash Rallies 14% as Trading Surges and Analyst Eyes Long-Term Breakout
Dash jumped more than 14% in a single day to about $45 amid a spike in trading activity. The token is still down on longer timeframes, but short-term momentum has improved. Analyst Javon Marks repeated a long-range target near $397, while noting it would take sustained strength to get anywhere close to that level.
Russia Alleges U.S.-Linked Firms Sought to Mine Bitcoin at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Russian officials say U.S.-linked companies expressed interest in tapping excess power from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for industrial-scale Bitcoin mining. The proposals reportedly involved operations drawing hundreds of megawatts. Washington hasn’t commented, and experts warn that mining near nuclear facilities raises legal, environmental, and security concerns.
Ethereum Poised for 2026 Upgrades Despite Near-Term Weakness
Ethereum price has slipped to around $2,950 after a choppy year of ETF outflows and broader market softness. Analysts see room for more downside in the near term but expect major 2026 upgrades, Glamsterdam and Hegota, to lift capacity and efficiency. Growth in tokenization and stablecoins may also support longer-run demand.
Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans for Retail and Corporate Clients
Sberbank is considering loans secured by digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins, and tokenized metals. Collateral would be held in custody, and smart contracts would manage valuation and liquidation. A pilot with verified users is planned, subject to regulatory approval, which could open the door to mainstream crypto-collateral lending in Russia.
Trust Wallet Extension Exploit Leads to $7M in User Losses
A faulty browser extension update on Dec. 25 exposed Trust Wallet users to an attack that rerouted signatures and drained about $7 million across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon (POL). The mobile app wasn’t affected. The bad update was disabled, users were urged to move funds, and Trust Wallet says compensation is planned as the probe continues.
Cardano Targets 2026 Recovery on Key Upgrades, ETF Hopes
Cardano’s ADA has fallen more than 70% from 2024 highs, but several 2026 milestones could change the tone. The Midnight privacy chain, the Leios upgrade, and the Pentad expansion of core tools are all in focus, alongside talk of a possible ADA ETF. Price now sits on long-term support, with a rebound toward $1 possible if it holds.
Polymarket Users Hit by Breach Tied to Third-Party Login Provider
Polymarket said some accounts were compromised through a vulnerability in a third-party login service, not its protocol or smart contracts. One-click email logins were mainly affected, with funds moved and consolidated by attackers. The flaw has been patched, affected users are being contacted, and the platform is urging people to avoid third-party logins for high-value accounts.
