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From December 2 to December 15, 2025, global markets exhibited divergent performance. Despite the Fed delivering a rate cut as expected, policy disagreements and expectations of a pause in further easing weighed on risk appetite. BTC and ETH remained in a consolidation phase, while higher-beta assets outperformed. Tokens related to AI applications and privacy computing showed notable strength, whereas narratives around new public blockchains and stablecoins underperformed. Volume–price dynamics were clearly fragmented, with the market still dominated by short-term trading, although structural opportunities remain. Meanwhile, sectors such as node-based networks, incentivized testnets, and community point systems continued to heat up, with projects accelerating early user acquisition through airdrops and point-based incentives. This article outlines the key participation pathways to help users position at low cost and capture potential upside from upcoming mainnet launches, token distributions, and ecosystem ex

Gate Research: On December 19, the crypto market as a whole displayed a synchronized pullback pattern, with risk appetite continuing to cool. BTC surged briefly after the CPI-driven rally but then retreated, leaving its bearish structure unchanged; ETH followed suit in weakness, consolidating under pressure within its range. Market sentiment is primarily characterized by proactive de-risking and awaiting repricing, with the short term likely entering a phase of sideways oscillation and digestion. Tokens such as JELLYJELLY and NBLU bucked the trend and strengthened amid speculative fervor, while IR rose driven by new token listings and exchange-related activity. In terms of hotspots, $23 billion in BTC options are imminent for expiry; Lido DAO has applied for a $60 million ecosystem budget to accelerate its transformation; JPMorgan forecasts that the total stablecoin market cap will reach approximately $500–600 billion by 2028.

Gate Research Daily Report: On December 19, the crypto market pulled back broadly after the initial CPI-driven surge, with risk appetite continuing to cool. BTC spiked above $89,000 before retreating, maintaining its bearish structure and oscillating at lower levels; ETH showed weak rebound momentum, consolidating under pressure in the $2,800–3,000 range. Altcoin sentiment remains subdued, with the market focused primarily on proactive de-risking and defensive positioning. In terms of hotspots, low-cap tokens like JELLYJELLY and NBLU bucked the trend and gained strength amid speculative fervor, while IR rose on new listings and exchange-related activity. Meanwhile, the impending expiry of $23 billion in BTC options, Lido DAO's application for a $60 million ecosystem budget, and JPMorgan's conservative outlook on stablecoin growth potential have emerged as key variables influencing both short-term and medium-term expectations.