### Overview
A prominent investor from **San Francisco** has recently landed a significant position within the **Trump White House**. This opportunity raises questions about the intersection of **technology** and **politics**.

### Who is the Investor?
The individual, known for their wealth and influence in the **tech sector**, has been a key player in various innovative projects. Their new role is expected to bridge the gap between **Silicon Valley** and the federal government, impacting policies that shape the future of technology in the U.S.

### Implications for Technology and Policy
This appointment could lead to **significant changes** in how technology companies engage with government regulations. Advocates of **innovation** hope this will foster a more **business-friendly** environment, while critics warn of potential conflicts of interest.

### The Bigger Picture
As the tech landscape evolves, the collaboration between the private sector and government will be crucial. This investor's role could set a precedent for future **partnerships** and influence the direction of **national tech policy**.

![Investor Image](https://www.sfgate.com/img/logos/black/logo.svg)  
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Tech Tycoon from San Francisco Joins Trump Administration: What It Means for the Future

Wall Street has kicked off the **Santa Rally** season with a **positive momentum**, seeing all major indices close higher in a shortened session leading into the **Christmas holiday**.

### Market Highlights
- The **S&P 500** climbed **1%**, marking its third consecutive day of gains after a volatile Federal Reserve meeting.
- The **Dow Jones Industrial Average** rose **0.9%**, while the **Nasdaq 100** gained **1.3%**, almost completely erasing previous losses.
- **Consumer discretionary stocks**, the year's top-performing sector, led the charge amid light trading volumes. **Tesla Inc.** (NASDAQ: TSLA) surged **7.35%**, achieving its strongest single-day performance since November.

### Other Notable Performers
Other standout stocks in the S&P 500 included **Walmart Inc.** (up **2.4%**), **Starbucks Corp.** (up **2.8%**), and **Netflix Inc.** (up **2.5%**). The **U.S. dollar index** also posted modest gains, hovering near one-year highs against the euro, while **Treasury yields** remained stable at **4.6%** for the 10-year benchmark.

### Cryptocurrencies React
In the cryptocurrency market, **Bitcoin** (CRYPTO: BTC) experienced a **4% jump** to over **$98,000**, indicating a renewed **risk appetite** following recent volatility. This rally positively impacted crypto-related stocks like **Microstrategy Inc.** (NASDAQ: MSTR), **MARA Digital Holdings Inc.** (NASDAQ: MARA), and **Coinbase Global Inc.** (NASDAQ: COIN), all of which posted significant gains.

### Summary of Major Indices
| Major Indices         | Price      | 1-day %chg |
|-----------------------|------------|-------------|
| Nasdaq 100            | 21,771.80  | 1.3%        |
| S&P 500               | 6,032.64   | 1.0%        |
| Russell 2000          | 2,254.99   | 0.8%        |
| Dow Jones             | 43,239.42  | 0.8%        |

The **Santa Rally** is in full swing, and with **Bitcoin** hitting new heights, it’s an exciting time for the markets! 

*Updated at 1:00 p.m. ET*

Wall Street kicked off the Santa Rally season on a positive note, with all major indices and sectors closing higher in a shortened session ahead of the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 climbed 1%, extending its gains for a third consecutive session following last week’s volatile Federal Reserve meeting. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 gained 1.3%, nearly erasing last week’s losses. Consumer discretionary stocks, the top-performing sector of the year, led

Bitcoin Surges to $98,000 as Wall Street Celebrates Santa Rally

## Bearish Outlook on BTC/USD 
- **Sell the BTC/USD pair** and set a take-profit at **$90,000**.  
- Add a **stop-loss at $97,000**.  
- **Timeline**: 1-2 days.  

## Bullish Outlook on BTC/USD  
- **Buy the BTC/USD pair** and set a take-profit at **$97,000**.  
- Add a **stop-loss at $90,000**.  

![BTC/USD Chart](https://www.dailyforex.com/files/btcusd1-crisps-241224.webp)  

Bitcoin's price has **dipped to $92,600** as profit-taking continues and momentum fades. The anticipated **Santa Claus rally** failed to materialize, pushing the BTC/USD pair to crucial support levels.  

Despite recent positive developments in the crypto space, including new appointees to the crypto and AI councils by **Donald Trump**, Bitcoin's value continued to fall. Analysts anticipate a change in the SEC's approach under Trump's appointees compared to the previous focus on lawsuits by **Gary Gensler**.  

Notably, major companies like **MicroStrategy** and **MetaPlanet** are still accumulating Bitcoin, with MicroStrategy having spent **$561 million** over the past seven weeks.  

The decline in Bitcoin's price follows a record high of over **$108,000** last week, exacerbated by ongoing profit-taking after the **Federal Reserve** hinted at further interest rate cuts in 2025.  

## BTC/USD Technical Analysis  
The BTC/USD pair has experienced a significant reversal from its high of **$108,375** on December 17. The price has dropped below the ascending channel's lower side, indicating a bearish trend.  

Indicators like the **Relative Strength Index (RSI)** and **MACD** suggest continued downward movement. A loss of the **50-day moving average at $92,450** could lead to further declines, with the next key support at **$87,500**. Conversely, a rise above **$97,000** could invalidate the bearish outlook.

Bitcoin dips to $92,600 amid profit-taking and fading momentum. BTC/USD outlook targets $90,000 on bearish moves or $97,000 on bullish reversals.

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

### **High Volatility: A Double-Edged Sword for Traders**  
High volatility can be good for option buyers because it increases the chance that the option will be **“in-the-money”** (profitable) at some point before expiry — creating profit for buyers.  
  
Traders expect **Bitcoin's (BTC) choppiness** to continue with a possible rotation to **altcoins**, as a major options expiry weighs on market dynamics in the festive week ahead.  
  
**“All eyes are on the massive expiry this Friday, where almost $20B notional across BTC and ETH options will expire,”** Singapore-based QCP Capital said in a broadcast message early Tuesday. “This represents almost half the total **open interest (OI)** on Deribit. We believe it's quite possible especially if spot continues to range here and as option sellers continue to roll their shorts out.”  
  
**Rolling** means that instead of letting their options expire, traders shift their positions to later expiration dates. This is often done to keep the trade active if they still believe in their market forecast.  
  
As BTC continues to struggle below **$100K**, QCP noted, **alts** might start to play catch up again. A similar trend was observed a month ago when Bitcoin was trading at current price levels. The **ether/bitcoin** ratio bounced off a **0.032 support**, spurring movement in altcoins.  
  
The crypto market often goes through cycles where Bitcoin leads the charge, followed by altcoins. Investors sitting on fresh market gains seek additional returns, leading to wild rallies in short periods.  
  
Currently, Bitcoin is experiencing one of its worst December months, dampening a seasonally bullish period with a **2% drop** over the past 30 days. Hopes of a **“Santa rally”** — where the asset tends to surge in the festive week — have been dented amid profit-taking and a cautious mood after weeks of price bumps.  
  
Some analysts are warning of further declines as the **U.S. Federal Reserve** signaled fewer rate cuts for next year while stressing that it prohibits state holdings of BTC and doesn't seek a change in the law to do so.  
  
However, a drop to the **$90,000** level could spell renewed opportunity for market traders. **FxPro’s Alex Kuptsikevich** mentioned,  
**“In a potential shock scenario, bitcoin could suddenly dip into the $70K area. However, there are more chances that a pullback to $90K in the next couple of weeks will be attractive enough for buyers to stop the sell-off.”** Markets continue to digest the Fed's tougher tone, reinforced by the urge to lock in profits after a strong year.

High volatility can be good for option buyers because it increases the chance that the option will be “in-the-money” (profitable) at some point before expiry — creating profit for buyers.

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

## Matador Technologies Embraces Bitcoin as a Treasury Reserve

Matador Technologies, a Canadian crypto firm, has announced plans to adopt **Bitcoin** as a treasury reserve asset, initiating this strategy with a **$4.5 million** purchase later this month. The company is also developing a platform built on Bitcoin's network, allowing users to trade **digital representations of gold**, with a targeted launch in **early 2025**.

### Market Dynamics and Stock Performance

Since transitioning from its former identity as Scaling Capital 1, Matador began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange last week. However, the stock has seen a **35% drop**, from **$0.90 to $0.58** per share.

### Following in the Footsteps of Industry Leaders

Matador's move comes as **MicroStrategy** has led the way in corporate Bitcoin adoption, accumulating more than **$41 billion** in Bitcoin since 2020. While larger firms like **Microsoft** have hesitated, smaller companies like Matador are stepping up to follow the trend.

### Future Plans and Innovations

The firm plans to launch a mobile app enabling users to buy, sell, and store gold around the clock. Matador aims to create a comprehensive portfolio of products beyond just gold. The company has chosen Bitcoin over other platforms like **Ethereum** and **Solana** due to its **security and stability**. Physical gold reserves will be managed by the **Royal Canadian Mint**.

### Leadership and Strategic Moves

Matador's Bitcoin strategy has received unanimous approval from its board of directors. The firm will also shift its cash reserves predominantly to the **U.S. dollar** while moving away from the **Canadian dollar**. Matador's president, **Sunny Ray**, emphasized the importance of using Bitcoin to **future-proof** their treasury and support the company's mission.

### Connections in the Bitcoin Ecosystem

Notably, **Metaplanet**, a Japanese investment firm, has also made significant Bitcoin investments this year, showcasing a growing trend among firms embracing cryptocurrency. The interconnections between Matador and Metaplanet are highlighted by shared board members, including **Tyler Evans**, who is involved with both entities.

For more on Matador Technologies and their innovative strategies in the cryptocurrency space, stay tuned as they continue to evolve in this dynamic market.

Matador Technologies is following in MicroStrategy’s footsteps, sharing a board member with Japanese firm Metaplanet—another Bitcoin buyer.

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

![Bitcoin ETFs had the most successful launch of all-time: Natalie Brunell](https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/854081161001/e68c6174-bc8a-4e40-b9a7-7b24b50c59ed/2341b8cb-c8ac-4e73-966f-021d029d98f9/1280x720/match/image.jpg)

In a recent episode of the **Coin Stories podcast**, host **Natalie Brunell** discussed the unprecedented success of **Bitcoin ETFs** and their launch. This milestone event has sparked numerous discussions about the future of Bitcoin and the strategies surrounding it.

Brunell delves into the implications of this success, particularly in light of **Michael Saylor's Bitcoin investment strategy**. She analyzes whether Saylor's approach will yield significant returns amidst the evolving market landscape. 

The conversation highlights the **growing acceptance** of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance, particularly how ETFs have made it more accessible to traditional investors. Brunell's insights provide a comprehensive look at how these developments may shape the future of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market.

Coin Stories podcast host Natalie Brunell discusses whether Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy will payoff on 'Making Money.'

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Cryptocurrencies experienced a downturn this weekend, with **investors** reacting to a potentially more **hawkish Federal Reserve**. This shift raises concerns about fewer **rate cuts** than anticipated in 2025.

### Current Market Status
As of Monday afternoon, **Bitcoin** *(CRYPTO: BTC)* was trading approximately **4% lower**, having dropped significantly over the weekend. After reaching a high of **$102,000** last Thursday, it is now around **$93,260**. Similarly, **Dogecoin** *(CRYPTO: DOGE)* decreased by **3.2%**, and **XRP** *(CRYPTO: XRP)* fell **3.1%**.

### Macro Economic Outlook
The recent **Federal Reserve** meeting concluded with a projection of only **two rate cuts** in the upcoming year, a reduction from the previously anticipated four. This revelation caught many investors off guard and contributed to the market's downward trend.

Despite some good news regarding **Stephen Miran**, a **pro-crypto** economist appointed to chair the president's **Council of Economic Advisers**, the focus remained on the broader economic outlook. **Durable goods orders** for November fell short of expectations, and rising **Treasury yields** typically signal bearish trends for cryptocurrencies.

### Bitcoin and Inflation
While Bitcoin is often viewed as a hedge against inflation, its performance is influenced by various factors, including the strength of the **dollar**. As the dollar strengthens, Bitcoin tends to decline, exhibiting an inverse relationship.

![Bitcoin Price Chart](https://media.ycharts.com/charts/debd6f7fa8da6622f6b061c4c87277bb.png)

### Future Expectations
With Bitcoin's substantial rise this year, it is more vulnerable to pullbacks. The market anticipates ongoing volatility as it adapts to inflation trends and interest rate trajectories. Most traders believe **inflation** will remain above the Fed's **2% target**, influenced by Trump's proposed **tax cuts** and **tariffs**.

Despite these challenges, **MicroStrategy** continues to invest in Bitcoin, purchasing **5,262 tokens** for **$561 million** last week. **Michael Saylor**, the company's CEO, has expressed bullish predictions for Bitcoin, forecasting prices as high as **$13 million** by **2045**.

### Summary of Positions
I maintain a favorable view on Bitcoin and suggest a small, speculative position in XRP, while currently having no interest in Dogecoin. With the new year approaching, expect **turbulence** in the cryptocurrency market as it reacts to economic indicators.


Cryptocurrencies fell this weekend and into today, as investors grappled with a potentially more hawkish Federal Reserve, which could lead to fewer rate cuts than hoped for in 2025.

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

If you're an **Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH)** investor, there's some **good news**: the world's second-largest cryptocurrency is up an impressive **50% for the year**. Recently, Ethereum broke through the **$4,000 price level** and is within striking distance of its all-time high of **$4,891** from November 2021.

However, there's a flip side. Ethereum continues to **underperform** against other cryptocurrencies. For instance, **Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)** is up **131% for the year**, with many other top cryptocurrencies also posting **triple-digit returns**. This raises the critical question: **Should you buy Ethereum as we head into 2025?**

The **catalyst** that was expected to boost Ethereum this year was the launch of new **exchange-traded funds (ETFs)**. Following the successful launch of **spot Bitcoin ETFs** in January, investors had high hopes for **spot Ethereum ETFs** in July. Unfortunately, while spot Bitcoin ETFs are still receiving rave reviews, the feedback for spot Ethereum ETFs has been mixed. The largest, the **iShares Ethereum Trust (NASDAQ: ETHA)**, currently has just **$3.5 billion** in assets under management, compared to over **$53.5 billion** for the **iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT)**.

Despite the **50% increase** in Ethereum's value this year, its performance has been lackluster since the launch of the spot Ethereum ETFs, actually declining **1%** since July 23. This is particularly disappointing as this period included a post-election rally that saw Ethereum briefly soar past **$4,000**.

Adding to the concerns, new competitor blockchains are steadily taking market share from Ethereum in areas like **decentralized finance (DeFi)** and **blockchain gaming**. These new blockchains are generally **faster, cheaper, and easier to use** than Ethereum. For example, while Ethereum can process only **15 transactions per second**, **Solana (CRYPTO: SOL)** can handle **65,000 transactions per second**, and **Sui** can even manage **297,000 transactions per second**.

Investors are noticing these developments. While Ethereum is up **50%** this year, **Cardano** is up **60%**, **Solana** is up **88%**, and **Sui** has skyrocketed by an astonishing **505%**. Additionally, many of the **Layer-2 scaling solutions** on Ethereum's blockchain, such as **Arbitrum, Optimism,** and **Polygon**, are down **50% or more** for the year.

If you're an Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) investor, the good news is that the world's second-largest cryptocurrency is up an impressive 50% for the year.  Ethereum recently broke through the $4,000 price level and, even with a recent pullback, is within striking distance of regaining its all-time high of $4,891 from November 2021.  The bad news, however, is that Ethereum continues to underperform against other cryptocurrencies.

Tech Tycoon from San Francisco Joins Trump Administration: What It Means for the Future

Summary:

Overview

Who is the Investor?

Implications for Technology and Policy

The Bigger Picture

Comments

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Other Latest News

Bitcoin Surges to $98,000 as Wall Street Celebrates Santa Rally

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

Is Ethereum Still a Smart Investment? Analyzing Its Performance and Competition

Other Latest News

Bitcoin Surges to $98,000 as Wall Street Celebrates Santa Rally

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

Is Ethereum Still a Smart Investment? Analyzing Its Performance and Competition