CoinDesk

A new XRP ETF will soon launch, tracking the **CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate (New York Variant)**. Key details: - Provides regulated fund structure for XRP exposure - Investors won't need to handle XRP directly - Uses established CME pricing methodology This development offers traditional investors a **regulated pathway** to gain XRP exposure through familiar ETF structures, potentially broadening institutional access to the digital asset.

Solana has launched the **Tokenization Regatta**, a new funding initiative designed to support projects that bring tokenized real-world assets to its blockchain network. The program aims to: - Allocate funds to qualifying RWA tokenization projects - Provide development support and resources - Accelerate adoption of real-world asset tokenization on Solana This initiative reflects the growing trend of bringing traditional assets like real estate, commodities, and securities onto blockchain networks through tokenization. The Regatta represents Solana's strategic push to capture market share in the expanding RWA sector, which has seen increased institutional interest as blockchain technology matures.

A new fund provides direct exposure to **physical gold bars** stored in Singapore's secure vaults with full insurance coverage. Key features include: - Traditional custody services - **In-kind redemption option** allowing investors to receive actual gold bars - Professional vaulting and insurance in Singapore This launch comes as Singapore's precious metals storage sees significant growth, with **88% increase in vault orders** for gold and silver storage from January to April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The fund bridges traditional gold investment with physical ownership, offering investors flexibility between paper exposure and tangible asset redemption.

Trust Wallet now allows users to **buy cryptocurrency directly** and have it sent straight to their self-custodial wallet. This integration gives users **immediate full control** of their digital assets from the moment of purchase, eliminating the need to transfer funds from exchanges. - Users can purchase crypto without third-party custody - Assets go directly to their Trust Wallet - Full ownership and control from day one This follows similar moves by other self-custodial wallets like MetaMask, which added direct purchase features in 2024. The feature represents a shift toward **streamlined self-custody**, making it easier for users to own their crypto without relying on centralized exchanges for storage.

**Crypto markets disappointed** despite Federal Reserve's expected 25 basis point rate cut yesterday. The **quarter-point reduction** failed to generate the momentum traders hoped for, with digital assets sliding to the **lower end of their trading range**. This follows a pattern of crypto weakness: - CoinDesk 20 Index dropped nearly 7% earlier this month - Sharp sell-offs coincided with CME bitcoin futures activity - Hawkish Bank of Japan signals added pressure The muted response suggests markets may have **already priced in** the Fed's dovish stance, or that other factors are weighing on sentiment. *Rate cuts traditionally boost risk assets like crypto, making this lackluster reaction notable.*

A bitcoin-focused company has **sold part of its BTC treasury** to raise cash for upcoming loan note payments as it prepares for a planned stock exchange uplisting. The move comes after the firm recently adopted a **bitcoin treasury strategy** with 66% shareholder approval, inspired by Metaplanet's approach to counter negative government bond returns. Key context: - Company offers public equity exposure to bitcoin - Focuses on "capital-efficient bitcoin accumulation" - Previously raised $800 million for bitcoin purchases - Treasury strategy aims to mitigate bond market losses The bitcoin sale represents a **strategic cash management decision** rather than a shift away from the company's crypto-focused business model, as it balances treasury holdings with operational funding needs.

**Oracle's stock took a significant hit** after the company reported earnings that failed to meet analyst expectations. This latest disappointment follows a pattern of underperformance: - Previous quarter saw shares drop after missing sales estimates by 4% - Company continues to struggle with meeting market projections - Investors react negatively to consecutive earnings misses **The tech giant's financial performance** raises questions about its competitive position in the cloud computing market. Key concerns include: - Recurring pattern of missing estimates - Market confidence declining - Stock volatility increasing This earnings miss highlights ongoing challenges Oracle faces in maintaining growth momentum amid intense competition from cloud rivals like AWS and Microsoft Azure.

The **CFTC has granted Gemini's affiliate permission** to offer supervised event-contract markets to U.S. users. This regulatory approval allows Gemini to: - Provide **regulated forecasting tools** to American customers - Join competitors like **Kalshi and Polymarket** in the growing prediction market space - Expand its product offerings beyond traditional crypto trading The decision marks another step in the **mainstream adoption of prediction markets**, giving users regulated access to event-based trading contracts under proper oversight.

**Bitcoin pulled back** after Tuesday's brief spike above $94,500 failed to break through key resistance levels. The move triggered a **minor short squeeze** but couldn't overcome the ceiling that has limited bitcoin's upside for three weeks. **Key developments:** - Resistance at $94,500 remains intact - Short squeeze provided temporary relief - Three-week consolidation pattern continues The failed breakout suggests bitcoin may need more time to build momentum before attempting another push higher. Markets are watching whether support levels can hold during this pullback phase.

**Binance, Hyperliquid, and Bybit** emerged as the epicenter of crypto market turbulence, accounting for **72% of all forced liquidations** on December 11th. This continues a troubling pattern from earlier in the month when these same three exchanges experienced massive liquidation events: - Each platform saw **over $160 million in liquidations** on December 1st - **Long positions comprised nearly 90%** of total liquidations - The concentration of forced unwinds on these platforms highlights potential systemic risks The data reveals how market volatility disproportionately impacts major trading venues, where high leverage and large position sizes amplify downside moves.