The World’s Road to Freedom (1823–2011): Tracing the Independence of 175 Nations
The journey of global freedom is long and diverse. From Sweden in 1523 to South Sudan in 2011, this infographic and dataset map the official and symbolic independence days of 175 nations, showing how sovereignty has unfolded across five centuries. So, zoom in. Explore. And see where your country fits on the map of world independence
One striking observation? Not every country celebrates the exact legal date of independence. Many instead choose symbolic national days tied to monarchies, revolutions, cultural identity, or pivotal milestones.
The Significance of National Days Independence is not just about legal recognition—it’s also about identity and symbolism. The United States celebrates July 4, 1776, its Declaration of Independence, even though recognition came later. Some countries mark days of revolutions or monarch transitions rather than legal independence dates. Others, like Pakistan (Aug 14, 1947) and India (Aug 15, 1947) celebrate the end of colonial rule, defining moments of both freedom and transformation.
1960: The Year of Africa The year 1960 stands out in history. Often called the “Year of Africa,” it saw 17 nations on the continent gain independence in a single year. From Nigeria to Senegal, this wave reshaped not just Africa but the entire global balance of power.
A Global Timeline: Country (Date of Independence) Sweden June 6, 1523 The United States July 4, 1776 Haiti January 1, 1804 Colombia July 20, 1810 Mexico September 16, 1810 Chile September 18, 1810 Paraguay May 15, 1811 Venezuela July 5, 1811 Luxembourg June 9, 1815 Argentina July 9, 1816 Peru July 28, 1821 Costa Rica September 15, 1821 Guatemala September 15, 1821 Honduras September 15, 1821 Nicaragua September 15, 1821 Ecuador May 24, 1822 Brazil September 7, 1822 Bolivia August 6, 1825 Uruguay August 25, 1825 Greece March 25, 1821 Belgium July 21, 1831 El Salvador February 15, 1841 Dominican Republic February 27, 1844 Liberia July 26, 1847 Monaco February 2,1861 Italy March 17, 1861 Liechtenstein August 15, 1866 Romania May 9, 1877 The Philippines June 12, 1898 Cuba May 20, 1902 Panama November 3, 1903 Norway June 7, 1905 BulgariaSeptember 22, 1908 South Africa May 31, 1910 Albania November 28, 1912 Finland December 6, 1917 Estonia February 24, 1918 GeorgiaMay 26, 1918 Poland November 11, 1918I celand December 1, 1918 Afghanistan August 19, 1919 Ireland December 6, 1921 Turkey October 29, 1923 Vatican City February 11, 1929 Saudi Arabia September 23, 1932 Iraq October 3, 1932 Ethiopia May 5 1941 Lebanon November 22, 1943 North Korea August 15, 1945 South Korea August 15, 1945 Indonesia August 17, 1945 Vietnam September 2, 1945 Syria April 17, 1946 Jordan May 25, 1946 Pakistan August 14, 1947 India August 15, 1947 New Zealand November 25, 1947 Myanmar January 4, 1948 Sri Lanka February 4, 1948 Laos July 19, 1949 Libya December 24, 1951 Egypt June 18, 1953 Cambodia November 9, 1953 Sudan January 1, 1956 Morocco March 2, 1956 Tunisia March 20, 1956 Ghana March 6, 1957 Malaysia August 31, 1957 Guinea October 2, 1958 Cameroon January 1, 1960 Senegal April 4, 1960 Togo April 27, 1960 Congo June 30, 1960 Somalia July 1, 1960 Madagascar June 26, 1960 Benin August 1, 1960 Niger August 3, 1960 Burkina Faso August 5, 1960 Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivorie) August 7, 1960 Chad August 11, 1960 Central African Republic August 13, 1960 The Democratic Republic of the Congo June 30, 1960 Cyprus August 16, 1960 Gabon August 17, 1960 Mali September 22, 1960 Nigeria October 1, 1960 Mauritania November 28, 1960 Sierra Leone April 27, 1961 Kuwait June 19, 1961 Samoa January 1, 1962 Burundi July 1, 1962 Rwanda July 1, 1962 Algeria July 5, 1962 Jamaica August 6, 1962 Trinidad and Tobago August 31, 1962 Uganda October 9, 1962 Kenya December 12, 1963 Malawi July 6, 1964 Malta September 21, 1964 Zambia October 24, 1964 Tanzania December 9, 1961 Gambia February 18, 1965 The Maldives July 26, 1965 Singapore August 9, 1965 GuyanaMay 26, 1966 Botswana September 30, 1966 Lesotho October 4, 1966 Barbados November 30, 1966 Nauru January 31, 1968 Mauritius March 12, 1968 Swaziland September 6, 1968 Equatorial Guinea October 12, 1968 Tonga June 4, 1970 Fiji October 10, 1970 Bangladesh March 26, 1971 Bahrain August 15, 1971 Qatar September 3, 1971 The United Arab Emirates December 2, 1971 The Bahamas July 10, 1973 Guinea-Bissau September 24, 1973 Grenada February 7, 1974 Mozambique June 25, 1975 Cape Verde July 5, 1975 Comoros July 6, 1975 Sao Tome and Principe July 12, 1975 Papua New Guinea September 16, 1975 Angola November 11, 1975 Suriname November 25, 1975 Seychelles June 29, 1976 Djibouti June 27, 1977 Solomon Islands July 7, 1978 TuvaluOctober 1, 1978 Dominica November 3, 1978 Saint Lucia February 22, 1979 Kiribati July 12, 1979 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines October 27, 1979 Zimbabwe April 18, 1980 Vanuatu July 30, 1980 Antigua and Barbuda November 1, 1981 Belize September 21, 1981 Canada April 17, 1982 Saint Kitts and Nevis September 19, 1983 Brunei January 1, 1984 Australia March 3, 1986 Marshall Islands October 21, 1986 Micronesia November 3, 1986 Lithuania March 11, 1990 Namibia March 21, 1990 Yemen May 22, 1990 Russia June 12, 1990 Croatia June 25, 1991 Slovenia June 25, 1991 Latvia August 21, 1991 Ukraine August 24, 1991 Belarus August 25, 1991 Moldova August 27, 1991 Azerbaijan October 18, 1991 Kyrgyzstan August 31, 1991 Uzbekistan September 1, 1991 MacedoniaSeptember 8, 1991 Tajikistan September 9, 1991 Armenia September 21, 1991 Turkmenistan October 27, 1991 Kazakhstan December 16, 1991 Bosnia and Herzegovina March 1, 1992 Czech Republic January 1, 1993 Slovakia January 1, 1993 Eritrea May 24, 1993 Palau October 1, 1994 East Timor May 20, 2002 Montenegro June 3, 2006 Serbia June 5, 2006 Kosovo February 17, 2008 South Sudan July 9, 2011
Across continents, each independence day represents not only freedom from foreign rule but also the assertion of nationhood and identity.
Sources and Methodolog: The data was collected from historical archives, UN records, and national databases. Priority was given to each country’s officially recognized national day. Where symbolic or ceremonial dates differed from the legal date of independence, both were carefully noted to preserve historical accuracy.
The World’s Road to Freedom (1823–2011) is more than a timeline—it’s a global story of struggle, resilience, and celebration. By exploring the dataset, readers can discover not only when nations became independent but also how they choose to define and commemorate their freedom.
SHORT WORDS: $BTC is following Samuel Benner’s legendary financial cycle chart (1875), which marks 2026 as a “B” year – Good Times, High Prices, Time to SELL. 🔹 Current bullish uptrend aligns perfectly with the cycle prediction 🔹 Past “A” years = panics, “C” years = accumulation (2023–2024 buying zone) 🔹 Next stop: Euphoria & Peak Valuation in 2026 🔹 Technicals + Time Cycles = Edge & Alpha How the Benner Chart Works: Line A: Panic years (market crasheIs). Line B: Boom years (best time to sell assets). Line C: Recession years (prime for accumulation and buying). ⚡ Smart money doesn’t chase pumps—they follow the cycle.
DETAILS: The Benner Cycle is a 19th-century market theory, adapted by some crypto investors, that suggests market crashes and peaks occur in predictable cycles. While it has shown some alignment with past major market events, its accuracy for modern crypto markets is widely disputed. What the Benner Cycle is Origin: Developed in 1875 by Samuel Benner, an Ohio farmer and businessman who lost his wealth in the Panic of 1873. Mechanism: Based on his observations of recurring cycles in agricultural commodity prices, Benner created a forecast chart extending to 2059. Phases: The cycle divides market history into three repeating phases: Line A (Panic Years): Periods of market crashes. Some analyses suggest Benner predicted a panic year in 1927, near the 1929 Great Depression, and 1999, which aligned with the dot-com bubble. Line B (Boom Years): Periods of high prices, considered the best time to sell assets. Recent interpretations suggest 2026 is a potential boom year for crypto. Line C (Hard Times): Periods of low prices and recession, considered ideal for buying or accumulating assets. For example, 2023 was widely seen by Benner proponents as a good year to buy crypto. Why investors use it for crypto Alignment with Bitcoin halving: The prediction of a 2025–2026 crypto peak aligns with the typical multi-year bull run that follows Bitcoin's four-year halving cycle. Long-term perspective: The cycle provides a macro-level roadmap for investors interested in timing long-term entries and exits, offering a simple narrative for market behavior. Emotional cycles: Some investors believe the Benner cycle effectively mirrors the emotional cycles of markets, driven by human behavior and investor sentiment, particularly in the highly volatile crypto space. Criticisms and risks of the Benner Cycle Outdated foundation: The cycle was developed based on 19th-century agricultural data, which has little relevance to today's complex, globalized financial markets influenced by technological disruption, quantitative trading, and central bank policies. Inaccurate predictions: The cycle has notable misses. For example, it predicted a panic in 2019, but the market didn't crash until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It also predicted hard times in the robust economic year of 1965. Oversimplification: Critics argue the cycle oversimplifies market dynamics by ignoring geopolitical events and other factors that influence asset prices. Veteran trader Peter Brandt called it a distraction, arguing it lacks value for making actual trading decisions. Cognitive bias: Belief in the cycle can be a result of cognitive biases like the post hoc fallacy (claiming a delayed event fits the prediction) and confirmation bias (remembering hits while ignoring misses). Not a guarantee: Financial experts caution that the Benner cycle is not a foolproof forecasting tool and that market dynamics are unpredictable. It should not be the sole basis for investment strategy. FOR APPRECIATION: FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE THANK YOU #InvestSmart #BTC #MarketPullback
CME Group Launches Spot XRP and Solana Futures as Crypto Markets Face Price Pressure and ETF Inflows
Based on current market analysis and liquidation data, the three altcoins facing notable liquidation risks in the third week of December 2025 are Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP.
The risks stem from significant imbalances in derivatives trading, where large, one-sided leveraged positions could be liquidated by sudden price movements.
Altcoins with Notable Liquidation Risks Ethereum (ETH): ETH is currently trading around the $3,112 range, but the liquidation maps show a strong imbalance, with a high volume of short positions dominating the market. A price rebound above $3,241 could trigger over $1.274 billion in short liquidations, while a drop below $2,937 could liquidate around $994 million in long positions, indicating high volatility potential in both directions.
Solana (SOL): Solana also exhibits a severe imbalance, with a significant amount of short interest built up by traders expecting a further price decline. If SOL's price climbs to $156, nearly $800 million in short positions could be liquidated. Conversely, a fall to $120 would trigger substantial long liquidations.
XRP: XRP's liquidation map also indicates a dominance of short activity. A strong rebound could severely impact short sellers, with cumulative liquidations potentially exceeding $500 million if XRP rises above $2.30. The token is currently struggling near the $2.00 resistance level.
These altcoins are particularly vulnerable to sudden price swings that can trigger cascading liquidations, a phenomenon amplified by high leverage in the derivatives market and macroeconomic events, such as the recent Bank of Japan rate hike signals and potential US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.
The general market sentiment has shifted into "extreme fear" during December, and the rising stablecoin supply suggests potential incoming market liquidity, which could fuel significant volatility. Investors are advised to manage leverage carefully and use stop-loss orders to mitigate risks. #CryptoNews #ETH #sol #xrp #InstitutionalAdoption
Based on current market analysis and liquidation data, the three altcoins facing notable liquidation risks in the third week of December 2025 are Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP.
The risks stem from significant imbalances in derivatives trading, where large, one-sided leveraged positions could be liquidated by sudden price movements.
Altcoins with Notable Liquidation Risks Ethereum (ETH): ETH is currently trading around the $3,112 range, but the liquidation maps show a strong imbalance, with a high volume of short positions dominating the market. A price rebound above $3,241 could trigger over $1.274 billion in short liquidations, while a drop below $2,937 could liquidate around $994 million in long positions, indicating high volatility potential in both directions.
Solana (SOL): Solana also exhibits a severe imbalance, with a significant amount of short interest built up by traders expecting a further price decline. If SOL's price climbs to $156, nearly $800 million in short positions could be liquidated. Conversely, a fall to $120 would trigger substantial long liquidations.
XRP: XRP's liquidation map also indicates a dominance of short activity. A strong rebound could severely impact short sellers, with cumulative liquidations potentially exceeding $500 million if XRP rises above $2.30. The token is currently struggling near the $2.00 resistance level.
These altcoins are particularly vulnerable to sudden price swings that can trigger cascading liquidations, a phenomenon amplified by high leverage in the derivatives market and macroeconomic events, such as the recent Bank of Japan rate hike signals and potential US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.
The general market sentiment has shifted into "extreme fear" during December, and the rising stablecoin supply suggests potential incoming market liquidity, which could fuel significant volatility. Investors are advised to manage leverage carefully and use stop-loss orders to mitigate risks.
How to Know When to Sell Your Crypto, According to Experts
According to experts, knowing when to sell crypto involves creating and strictly following a predefined exit strategy based on personal financial goals, market signals, and risk tolerance, rather than making emotional decisions. The core principle is to have a plan before you buy.
Develop a Predefined Exit Plan The most critical step is to establish a clear, written-down plan before you even enter a trade, including profit targets and loss limits. This plan should align with your personal financial goals, such as saving for a major purchase or diversifying your portfolio, and not be swayed by fear or greed. Set Clear Profit Targets: Define specific price points or return percentages (e.g., selling a portion at 50% or 100% profit) to lock in gains automatically using limit orders. Implement Stop-Loss Orders: Place automatic stop-loss orders to limit potential losses if the price drops to a certain level (e.g., 5-10% below your entry point). Use the "Play with House Money" Strategy: A popular method is to sell your initial investment once the asset's value has doubled, and let the remaining "house money" ride for further potential growth.
Monitor Key Market and Fundamental Signals Experts recommend combining your financial goals with objective market analysis, as no single indicator is perfect. Market Sentiment: High public euphoria, celebrity endorsements, and overly positive news often signal a potential market top or "overbought" conditions, which can be a contrarian indicator to sell. Technical Indicators: Use tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI); an RSI value above 70 often indicates an asset is overbought and a potential price pullback could be due. Other indicators include moving averages and trading volume. Fundamental Changes: Sell if the cryptocurrency project's fundamentals deteriorate, such as a lack of development, negative regulatory news, or the core management team having doubts about its long-term viability. Portfolio Rebalancing: Periodically sell off high-performing crypto assets that have grown to an oversized portion of your total portfolio (e.g., more than 5-10% of total investments) to maintain diversification and manage risk. Avoid Emotional Decisions Emotions are a major pitfall in the volatile crypto market. Sticking to your plan helps prevent common mistakes like: Panic Selling: Selling at a loss during a temporary dip due to fear. Greed/FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Holding for unrealistic gains or re-entering the market at a higher price after selling too early. Ignoring Taxes and Fees: Be aware that every sale is a taxable event in most jurisdictions, and plan for capital gains taxes and exchange fees to accurately calculate your net profit. By adopting a disciplined, data-driven approach and using a combination of these strategies, you can navigate the market with greater confidence.
Crypto Plunge Triggers $573M Liquidations as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP Hit Weekly Lows
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP have fallen to their lowest prices in a week, driven by a broad market sell-off that triggered over $573 million in liquidations across the crypto market within the last 24 hours. The price drop, particularly affecting leveraged traders, comes amid fading hopes for a year-end "Santa rally".
Market Overview As of Monday, December 15, 2025, the leading cryptocurrencies have experienced significant declines:
Bitcoin (BTC): Fell to a recent price of around $85,833, its lowest since December 1st, and is down more than 3% over the last 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH): Dropped to a price near $2,955, down more than 4%. It fell below the key $3,000 mark on Monday.
XRP: Declined by approximately 4.5% to about $1.90, also its lowest price so far in December.
The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization has shrunk by roughly 3% over the last 24 hours.
Key Factors and Market Dynamics Mass Liquidations: The price slide triggered over $573 million in liquidations on Monday, with a vast majority ($486 million) being long positions (bets that prices would rise). This forced selling likely accelerated the market losses. Bitcoin led in liquidations with $205 million, followed by Ethereum at $156 million.
Fading "Santa Rally" Hopes: User sentiment on prediction market platforms has grown increasingly bearish on the prospects of a year-end price rally, reducing the perceived likelihood significantly from a week ago.
Macroeconomic Concerns: Growing concerns about a potential Bank of Japan interest rate hike and a general de-risking environment in broader financial markets have been cited as contributing factors. Cryptocurrencies have recently shown correlation with risk assets like U.S. equities during downturns.
Fear Index: The Crypto Fear & Greed Index indicated "Extreme Fear" among investors, suggesting strong selling pressure and a cautious market environment.
J.P. Morgan Unveils 2026 Internet Top Picks: Roku and Amazon Lead Growth Strategy
As of December 2025, JPMorgan (J.P. Morgan) has released its top internet stock picks for 2026, identifying key opportunities among mega-caps and small-to-mid-cap (SMID) companies. The bank's strategy for the coming year emphasizes "identifying stocks that could work in any market," particularly those poised to capitalize on AI infrastructure and agentic AI.
Top Large-Cap Internet Picks for 2026 JPMorgan's primary large-cap selections for 2026 focus on leaders expected to deliver higher returns on heavy AI capital investments:
Alphabet (GOOGL): Highlighted for its transition to AI Search and the growth potential of Google Cloud. Amazon (AMZN): Cited for AWS revenue growth acceleration and a projected doubling of free cash flow in 2026.
Spotify (SPOT): Remains a top pick for its subscription business and potential for further price increases.
DoorDash (DASH): Identified as a top choice within the delivery platform sector. Top Small- & Mid-Cap (SMID) Picks for 2026 The bank also recently reshuffled its SMID coverage, elevating newer names while downgrading former favorites:
Roku (ROKU): Named the top pick for 2026 among SMID internet stocks, with expected acceleration in revenue growth driven by new monetization initiatives.
CLEAR Secure (YOU): Upgraded to Overweight as a "non-consensus call," with analysts citing massive upside in earnings estimates and a key catalyst in its five-year Amex partnership.
Take-Two (TTWO): Carried over as a favorite from the previous year, specifically for the anticipated 2025/2026 release cycle of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Conversely, JPMorgan downgraded Roblox (RBLX) from Overweight to Neutral for 2026, suggesting the stock may need to "take a breather" after recent performance.
Would you like to see a side-by-side comparison of the analysts' target prices for these stocks to see which has the highest projected upside?
Tom Lee Forecasts S&P 500 at 7,700 by 2026, Bullish on Ethereum's $12K+ Potential
Tom Lee Forecasts S&P 500 at 7,700 by 2026, Bullish on Ethereum's $12K+ Potential Tom Lee, Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, recently reaffirmed his S&P 500 target of 7,700 by the end of 2026, suggesting an approximate 11.8% increase from its current level of 6,827.63 as of December 12, 2025. He also holds an extremely bullish long-term view for Ethereum, suggesting a potential price of over $12,000 as part of his forecast, though other recent estimates from him go as high as $62,000.
S&P 500 Prediction Details Lee's optimistic forecast for the S&P 500 reaching 7,700 by year-end 2026 is based on several key drivers: Technology Growth: Robust growth driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and energy infrastructure is expected to boost corporate earnings. Federal Reserve Policy: He anticipates potential "dovish" policies and interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, which historically can be positive for stocks. Market Sentiment: Lee points to a pervasive "wall of skepticism" and a "fear of missing out" (FOMO) dynamic among investors as potential catalysts for further capital inflows once performance chasing begins. Historical Precedent: He notes that extended bull markets fueled by technological innovation and monetary easing have historical parallels, like the Dot-Com boom. Ethereum Prediction Details Lee also maintains a highly bullish stance on Ethereum, calling it "grossly undervalued". His reasoning for the potential price exceeding $12,000 and possibly reaching $62,000 in the longer term is centered on: Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: He believes the tokenization of traditional assets like stocks and real estate onto the blockchain is a "1971 moment"—a seismic shift that could unlock trillions of dollars in value, with Ethereum being the primary platform. Wall Street Adoption: Lee suggests that Ethereum is the "blockchain of choice for Wall Street" for institutional money movement and the tokenization of financial products. Outperforming Bitcoin: He predicts that the Ethereum-to-Bitcoin ratio will see a breakout soon, meaning Ethereum could significantly outperform Bitcoin in the near future.
Tom Lee Forecasts S&P 500 at 7,700 by 2026, Bullish on Ethereum's $12K+ Potential
S&P 500 Prediction Details Lee's optimistic forecast for the S&P 500 reaching 7,700 by year-end 2026 is based on several key drivers: Technology Growth: Robust growth driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and energy infrastructure is expected to boost corporate earnings. Federal Reserve Policy: He anticipates potential "dovish" policies and interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, which historically can be positive for stocks. Market Sentiment: Lee points to a pervasive "wall of skepticism" and a "fear of missing out" (FOMO) dynamic among investors as potential catalysts for further capital inflows once performance chasing begins. Historical Precedent: He notes that extended bull markets fueled by technological innovation and monetary easing have historical parallels, like the Dot-Com boom. Ethereum Prediction Details Lee also maintains a highly bullish stance on Ethereum, calling it "grossly undervalued". His reasoning for the potential price exceeding $12,000 and possibly reaching $62,000 in the longer term is centered on: Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: He believes the tokenization of traditional assets like stocks and real estate onto the blockchain is a "1971 moment"—a seismic shift that could unlock trillions of dollars in value, with Ethereum being the primary platform. Wall Street Adoption: Lee suggests that Ethereum is the "blockchain of choice for Wall Street" for institutional money movement and the tokenization of financial products. Outperforming Bitcoin: He predicts that the Ethereum-to-Bitcoin ratio will see a breakout soon, meaning Ethereum could significantly outperform Bitcoin in the near future.
ChatGPT Identifies Two Cryptocurrencies With 10x Potential by 2026
A new Finbold report explores ChatGPT’s outlook on two cryptocurrencies that could potentially turn a $100 investment into $1,000 by 2026. The picks focus on projects with strong fundamentals, growing ecosystems, and real-world utility, rather than short-term hype. The analysis highlights factors such as network adoption, technological innovation, scalability, and market positioning as key drivers that could fuel outsized returns over the next market cycle.
While the upside potential is significant, the report also notes that crypto investments remain high-risk, and outcomes will depend heavily on broader market conditions, regulation, and execution by each project’s development team.
Bank of America Forecasts Gold to Hit $5,000/oz by 2026 Amid Unorthodox U.S. Macro Policies and Central Bank Demand
Bank of America (BofA) has a strong bullish outlook on gold, with a price target of $5,000 per ounce by 2026. The bank forecasts gold to average $4,538 per ounce in 2026. The current spot gold price as of December 12, 2025, is approximately $4,274.67 per ounce. Key Drivers for the Bullish Forecast Unorthodox U.S. Macro Policies: The bank points to high U.S. fiscal deficits and national debt as primary drivers that erode the dollar's purchasing power, pushing investors toward hard assets like gold. Strong Central Bank Demand: Global central banks, particularly from emerging markets, have been accumulating gold at a historic pace to diversify their reserves away from the U.S. dollar, providing a strong floor for the market. "Underinvested" Asset: Despite the recent rally, BofA analysts, led by Michael Widmer, note that gold remains "overbought but underinvested," with total gold investment currently at only about 5% relative to equity and fixed-income markets. Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade wars (specifically related to U.S. tariffs), and general economic uncertainty are driving safe-haven demand for gold. Investment Strategy Recommendation: BofA continues to advocate for a "60% equities, 20% bonds, and 20% gold" portfolio allocation, suggesting this strategy has delivered higher returns since 2020. Bank of America believes the bull market will continue until these underlying drivers change, a shift it does not anticipate happening in the near future. I can provide information on how to invest in gold, such as through ETFs or physical bullion, to help you act on this forecast. Would you like to explore different gold investment options?
Crypto IPOs: 2026 to be the Real Trial as Investors Demand Stability After Mixed 2025 Results
In 2026, initial public offerings (IPOs) for cryptocurrency companies face a test of endurance and investor choices after a "test run" in 2025. The market will decide if these firms are a lasting asset class or just a trend tied to rising crypto prices. 2025 IPO Results and Examples The year 2025 saw the IPO market reopen for crypto companies, with several listings. Successful IPOs: Circle, a stablecoin issuer, saw its shares increase more than threefold after its June offering. Bullish, the exchange backed by Peter Thiel, also performed well, increasing significantly from its IPO price. These successes showed strong investor interest in regulated, growing digital asset firms. Mixed Results: Other listings faced more difficulties. For example, the stock price of Gemini, a crypto exchange, fell by 42% after its September debut. Existing public crypto companies like Coinbase saw a price drop of over 15% from the start of the year to December 2025, with high volatility throughout the year.
2026 Forecast and Market Opinion The 2026 IPO market is expected to include new companies. Investors will likely prefer firms that resemble traditional financial infrastructure, focusing on compliance, regular income, and operational stability. Key Trends for 2026: Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Clarity: A more positive U.S. regulatory environment and rising institutional interest are seen as major advantages for the 2026 IPO market. Focus on Infrastructure: Likely candidates for 2026 listings are regulated exchanges, brokerages, custody providers, and stablecoin platforms, as investors favor stability over token exposure. Valuation Standards: Companies will be judged by higher standards, needing to show strong fundamentals and readiness for public market examination, not just enthusiasm for cryptocurrency. Macroeconomic risks and sustained weakness in crypto prices could slow down the IPO market, while a strong market recovery could speed up listings. Potential 2026 IPO Candidates Several major firms are preparing for possible listings in 2026: Kraken: Actively preparing for a Nasdaq listing, possibly in Q1 2026, positioning itself as a compliant exchange. Consensys: The company behind MetaMask is reportedly preparing for a U.S. IPO with lead underwriters JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs already selected. Chainalysis: A blockchain analytics company with a strong record of government contracts and consistent revenue growth, making it a likely candidate. BitGo & Anchorage Digital: Custody and infrastructure providers that appeal to institutional investors seeking secure and regulated solutions. Other Potential Candidates: FalconX, Ledger, OKX, tZero, Fireblocks, and Blockchain.com are all named as potential candidates depending on market conditions and readiness. The success of the 2026 group will determine if crypto IPOs have become a stable asset class within mainstream finance.
Major cannabis stocks surge Friday after reports Trump is expected to sign executive order
Major cannabis stocks surge Friday after reports Trump is expected to sign executive order to reclassify marijuana.
Stock Performance Highlights Canopy Growth (WEED: TSE) shares jumped more than 50% in single-day trading on Friday, closing at $2.40 CAD per share, up significantly from its previous close of $1.57 CAD. Tilray Brands (TLRY: NASDAQ) stock climbed over 55%, closing at $12.15 USD. Its shares added another 11% in after-hours trading. Aurora Cannabis (ACB: TSE) stock rose nearly 17%, closing at $7.44 CAD per share.
Industry Impact The potential reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug would represent a significant shift in U.S. federal policy, acknowledging its medical use and lowering its perceived potential for abuse. This regulatory change could ease several burdens for cannabis companies, including: Tax relief: It would likely alleviate some of the heavy tax burdens currently faced by cannabis businesses. Banking access: It could facilitate easier access to mainstream banking services and capital from lenders and investors. Research opportunities: The change would bolster opportunities for medical research into cannabis. The news triggered broad gains across the sector, with the CNBS cannabis ETF and the Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ) also recording their best single-day performances ever. We can track the performance of these and other cannabis stocks as the potential executive order unfolds. Would you like to focus on the impact on a specific company's financials, such as Canopy Growth's revenue or net income?
Price is showing weakness from higher levels, and continuation to the downside is possible if selling pressure holds. Manage risk carefully and wait for confirmation if needed.
Bitcoin-Hoarding Company Strategy Keeps Its Spot in the Nasdaq 100 Index
The corporate Bitcoin hoarder Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has retained its place in the Nasdaq 100 index as part of the annual reconstitution of the benchmark, even as analysts continue to question its unconventional business model.
Strategy gained a listing in the Nasdaq 100 last year after pivoting from a software firm to a Bitcoin-accumulation play in 2020. Its strategy of buying and holding large amounts of Bitcoin has spawned many copycat treasury companies, but critics argue its model resembles an investment fund more than a traditional tech business — and that it’s highly sensitive to Bitcoin’s price swings.
The index reshuffle, effective December 22, will also remove several non-crypto firms and add others like Seagate Technology and Monolithic Power Systems. Meanwhile, global index provider MSCI is considering whether to exclude digital-asset treasury companies like Strategy from benchmarks — a decision expected in January — which could reshape passive fund allocations.
Why Is Crypto Down Just as the US Market Opens? Manipulation?
Extreme Fear" Grips Crypto Market as Prices Plunge Amid Tech Sell-Off, BOJ Rate Hike Fears, and Manipulation Claims Renewed
The crypto market experienced a decline today, December 13, 2025, primarily due to a broader "risk-off" sentiment that also impacted tech stocks, concerns over a potential Bank of Japan rate hike, and continued market illiquidity. The price drops, which have been observed repeatedly around the U.S. market opening, have renewed concerns among some analysts and traders about potential market manipulation by large institutional players.
Market Drivers and Analysis Broader Economic Linkages: The crypto market has become increasingly correlated with traditional financial markets, particularly tech stocks. Today's drop in crypto prices occurred in tandem with a sell-off in AI and tech stocks, driven by weak U.S. earnings reports. This indicates that market participants are reducing their exposure to riskier assets across the board. Bank of Japan (BOJ) Concerns: Signals from the BOJ about a potential upcoming interest rate hike have sparked concerns about the unwinding of the yen carry trade. This has a ripple effect on global risk assets, including Bitcoin, as tighter financial conditions increase the cost of leverage. Liquidity Issues: The market is experiencing shallow liquidity (low trading depth), meaning large trades can have a more significant impact on prices. This fragility can amplify price movements, both up and down. Manipulation Allegations: The user's question about manipulation is a widely discussed topic among traders. Analysts like "Bull Theory" have pointed to a consistent pattern of aggressive drops in Bitcoin price shortly after 10:00 a.m. EST, when the U.S. market opens, followed by a gradual recovery. Some argue this pattern is too consistent to be a coincidence and suggests high-frequency execution strategies by big institutional players to trigger liquidations. Institutional Activity: While spot Bitcoin ETFs saw negative flows in November, a development today is that the OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) greenlit several major financial institutions (Ripple, Circle, Paxos, BitGo, Fidelity) as national trust banks for crypto operations, a move seen as a positive long-term signal for institutional integration. The market remains in a state of "Extreme Fear," according to widely followed sentiment gauges, following significant drops in November and early December. Bitcoin is currently hovering near the $90,000 level, down over 2% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum is trading around $3,120, a drop of nearly 5%.