The Crypto Post

Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025-2029: Michael Saylor Forecasts Massive Gains Despite Market Dip
Michael Saylor, the outspoken executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) and one of the most prominent Bitcoin advocates, continues to bet big on the cryptocurrency even as it faces a challenging end to 2025.
On December 29, 2025, Strategy announced it had acquired 1,229 BTC for approximately $108.8 million, at an average price of $88,568 per coin. The purchase, funded through the sale of Class A common stock, brings the company’s total holdings to 672,497 Bitcoin—valued at roughly $59 billion at current prices and making it the largest corporate holder of the asset worldwide.
Saylor confirmed the transaction on X, stating: “Strategy has acquired 1,229 Bitcoin for $108.8 million at $88,568 per Bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 23.2% YTD 2025.”
This latest buy comes despite Bitcoin trading around $87,000-$88,000, down significantly from its October peak above $123,000 and marking a roughly 8% decline for the year overall. The move underscores Saylor’s unwavering confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.
Saylor’s Bold Bitcoin Price Targets
Saylor has maintained an ultra-bullish stance, predicting Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by the end of 2025 before climbing to $1 million by the end of 2029—a potential 1,049% surge from current levels around $87,000.
His optimism hinges on accelerating institutional adoption, fueled by spot Bitcoin ETFs launched in 2024, pro-crypto policies under the Trump administration in 2025, and the creation of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Saylor also views Bitcoin as “digital gold,” expecting its market cap (currently ~$1.75 trillion) to eventually rival physical gold’s $30 trillion valuation, implying 15-20x growth.
At a recent event during Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, Saylor addressed market volatility head-on: “There’s volatility in the market, there’s sound and fury, there’s scepticism, but there [was] scepticism about electricity, automobiles and airplanes,” he said. “There’s always going to be scepticism of the new … I wouldn’t be afraid,” he added. “Don’t run away from the fire, run towards the fire.”
Risks and Counterarguments in the Bitcoin Outlook
While institutional inflows and regulatory tailwinds support Saylor’s thesis, skeptics point to Bitcoin’s underperformance compared to gold this year—down 8% versus gold’s 65%+ gains—as evidence that the “digital gold” narrative may be faltering.
Historical four-year boom-bust cycles also raise concerns, with potential drawdowns looming in 2026. Despite the arrival of ETFs and large buyers, some analysts question whether Bitcoin has truly entered a permanent “supercycle.”
Strategy’s strategy of issuing shares and debt to fund Bitcoin acquisitions has drawn scrutiny over shareholder dilution, though the company continues aggressive accumulation without selling any holdings.
As 2025 closes, Saylor’s actions speak louder than words: Strategy is positioning for what he sees as Bitcoin’s inevitable rise to become a dominant store of value and global asset class.

In the world of cryptocurrency, market capitalization (often shortened to market cap) is one of the most important metrics for assessing the size, popularity, and potential stability of a digital asset. It provides investors and traders with a quick snapshot of a cryptocurrency’s overall value in the market, helping them compare different coins and make informed decisions.
Understanding Market Cap in Cryptocurrency
Market cap represents the total value of all coins or tokens currently available in the public market. Borrowed from traditional stock markets, where it measures a company’s equity value, crypto market cap helps gauge a project’s relative dominance, growth potential, and risk level.
Unlike simply looking at a coin’s price per unit, market cap gives a more accurate picture of its scale. For instance, a cryptocurrency trading at a low price might still have a massive market cap if it has billions of tokens in circulation, while a high-priced coin could have a smaller overall valuation.
How Market Cap Is Calculated
The standard formula for calculating cryptocurrency market cap is straightforward:
Market Cap = Current Price × Circulating Supply
Here, circulating supply refers to the number of coins that are publicly available and trading on exchanges—not including locked, reserved, or yet-to-be-mined tokens. This is the most commonly used method because it reflects the actual value accessible to investors today.
Some platforms also reference fully diluted market cap, which uses the maximum future supply (e.g., Bitcoin’s hard cap of 21 million BTC). This can highlight potential future dilution if more tokens enter circulation.
Bitcoin as a Real-World Example
As the largest and most established cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC) serves as a perfect illustration. According to data from CoinMarketCap as of December 22, 2025:
Current Price: $88,117.25Circulating Supply: Approximately 19.96 million BTC24-Hour Trading Volume: $35.45 billionVolume to Market Cap Ratio (24h): 2%
Applying the formula: $88,117.25 × 19,960,000 ≈ $1.76 trillion
This places Bitcoin firmly in the “large-cap” category, dominating the crypto market with high liquidity and relative stability compared to smaller assets.
Bitcoin’s low 24-hour volume relative to its market cap (just 2%) often indicates market maturity. It suggests many holders are opting for long-term storage rather than frequent trading, reinforcing its reputation as a digital store of value.
Categories of Cryptocurrencies by Market Cap
Cryptocurrencies are typically classified into three tiers based on market cap:
Large-Cap (> $10 billion): Established leaders like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These offer higher liquidity and are viewed as lower-risk options in the volatile crypto space, similar to blue-chip stocks.Mid-Cap ($1 billion – $10 billion): Growing projects with solid potential but increased volatility and risk.Small-Cap (< $1 billion): Emerging or niche coins that can experience extreme price swings, offering high-reward opportunities for risk-tolerant investors but with lower trading volumes.
Large-cap assets like Bitcoin tend to weather market downturns better, as massive sell-offs have less proportional impact.
Why Market Cap Matters (and Its Limitations)
Market cap is a valuable tool for:
Comparing cryptocurrencies objectively.Assessing market dominance (e.g., Bitcoin’s share of total crypto market cap).Evaluating stability and liquidity for investments or payments.
However, it’s not perfect. Market cap doesn’t reflect actual money flowing into a project—price pumps can inflate it without new investments. Always combine it with other metrics like trading volume, project utility, liquidity, price history, and on-chain activity.
Market Cap vs. Trading Volume
While market cap shows overall valuation, trading volume measures daily activity. A high volume relative to market cap might signal speculation, whereas Bitcoin’s typically lower ratio points to reduced short-term trading and growing holder confidence.
In summary, understanding market cap is essential for navigating the crypto landscape. Using Bitcoin’s current $1.76 trillion valuation as a benchmark, investors can better evaluate opportunities and risks in this dynamic market. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, this metric will continue to guide smarter decision-making.

As the cryptocurrency market heads into 2026, investors are closely comparing Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP, two leading digital assets with distinct strengths. Both have endured a challenging 2025, marked by sharp corrections from earlier highs amid broader economic uncertainties. Bitcoin, currently trading around $88,290 with a market cap of $1.76 trillion, remains the undisputed leader in the space. XRP, priced at approximately $1.93 and holding a $117 billion market cap (ranking it among the top cryptocurrencies), offers unique advantages in practical applications.
With institutional interest growing and new developments like spot ETFs shaping the landscape, which asset holds the edge for 2026 performance? This analysis explores their current positions, key drivers, risks, and potential trajectories.
Current Market Overview: Bitcoin and XRP in Late 2025
Bitcoin continues to dominate as the largest cryptocurrency, often viewed as “digital gold” due to its fixed supply of 21 million coins (with nearly 20 million already in circulation). Its price has pulled back significantly from October 2025 peaks, hovering near previous support levels.
XRP, tied to Ripple’s ecosystem, excels in efficiency, enabling transactions to settle in 3-5 seconds at minimal costs—far outperforming traditional systems like SWIFT. Despite promising starts earlier in the year, XRP has faced downward pressure, reflecting altcoin volatility.
Recent data highlights their scale:
Bitcoin: 24-hour volume of $15.45 billion, underscoring high liquidity.XRP: 24-hour volume around $2 billion, with growing holder base.
These corrections may present entry points, but performance in 2026 will depend on evolving catalysts.
Bitcoin’s Core Advantages for 2026
Bitcoin’s brand recognition is unparalleled, attracting both retail and institutional investors. Even those outside crypto circles recognize it as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
A major boost came in early December 2025 when Vanguard, managing over $11 trillion in assets, reversed its longstanding policy and began allowing clients to trade crypto ETFs on its platform. This opens access for millions of users, with Bitcoin ETFs expected to capture the bulk of inflows.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have already revolutionized adoption, and analysts note continued institutional momentum. Standard Chartered recently adjusted its 2026 year-end Bitcoin price target to $150,000 (down from a prior $300,000 estimate due to market weakness), implying substantial upside from current levels around $88,000.
Additional tailwinds include:
The lingering effects of the 2024 halving, which historically drives rallies 12-18 months later.Bitcoin’s role as a store of value in uncertain economic conditions.Potential pro-crypto regulatory shifts.
These factors position Bitcoin as a relatively lower-risk option in the crypto space.
XRP’s Standout Potential: Utility and Growth Catalysts
XRP distinguishes itself through real-world utility in cross-border payments. Ripple’s network connects hundreds of financial institutions via RippleNet, and its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service leverages XRP as a bridge asset for efficient transfers.
The resolution of Ripple’s long-running SEC lawsuit in 2025—with a modest fine and dropped appeals—provided much-needed regulatory clarity, paving the way for broader adoption.
Spot XRP ETFs began launching in late 2025 (starting with products like those from Canary Capital and others), offering regulated exposure. While initial inflows have been steady rather than explosive, increasing awareness and Vanguard’s platform inclusion could accelerate demand. XRP’s smaller market cap amplifies the impact of capital inflows, potentially leading to higher percentage gains.
Emerging markets and rising global trade volumes could further drive ODL usage, enhancing XRP demand.
Head-to-Head: Bitcoin vs XRP for 2026

Economic headwinds, such as limited interest rate cuts or recession risks, could pressure riskier assets more. Competition from other payment solutions poses challenges for XRP, while Bitcoin faces rivals in smart contract ecosystems.
In bullish scenarios—with easing inflation and surging adoption—both could thrive, but Bitcoin may benefit from “flight to safety” flows.
2026 Outlook: Bitcoin Likely Leads, But XRP Offers High-Reward Appeal
Bitcoin appears better positioned for reliable performance in 2026, thanks to its liquidity, widespread recognition, and robust institutional backing. XRP holds exciting upside for those willing to embrace volatility, driven by utility growth and ETF momentum.
For most investors, prioritizing Bitcoin for core stability—while allocating a portion to XRP for growth potential—makes sense. Cryptocurrencies remain highly speculative; always conduct thorough research and consider strategies like dollar-cost averaging.
As 2026 unfolds, these dynamics could reshape the crypto hierarchy—stay informed on key developments.

In what has become a alarming trend for the cryptocurrency sector, hackers affiliated with North Korea have stolen a staggering $2.02 billion in digital assets throughout 2025, setting a new annual record for the reclusive nation. This amount reflects a more than 50% increase compared to the previous year and elevates the total estimated thefts attributed to these actors since 2016 to approximately $6.75 billion, based on comprehensive data from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.
The broader cryptocurrency ecosystem experienced significant losses in 2025, with total thefts surpassing $3.4 billion from January through early December. North Korean-linked operations were responsible for a dominant share of these incidents, particularly those targeting centralized platforms.

The most notable breach occurred in February when Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit fell victim to a massive attack, resulting in the loss of around $1.5 billion—predominantly in Ethereum. This single event stands as the largest cryptocurrency heist ever recorded and significantly contributed to North Korea’s record haul.
Analysts and security experts emphasize that these illicit funds play a critical role in supporting North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, allowing the heavily sanctioned regime to circumvent international restrictions. “The reality is that cryptocurrency, because of its global 24/7 access, creates a unique value proposition for the regime to target,” Chainalysis head of national security intelligence Andrew Fierman said.
North Korean cyber operatives have demonstrated increasing sophistication, shifting toward fewer but higher-impact attacks. Tactics now frequently involve infiltrating cryptocurrency firms through fraudulent IT worker schemes—where operatives pose as remote employees—or more advanced social engineering, such as impersonating recruiters from prominent web3 and AI companies to extract credentials and access.
Laundering of stolen funds has also grown more complex. Hackers typically break proceeds into smaller transfers (often under $500,000), utilize cross-chain bridges, mixing services, and rely heavily on Chinese-language over-the-counter (OTC) networks and guarantee services to obscure traces and convert assets.
“Crypto heists have become ‘the easiest way for DPRK cyber actors to fund their regime,'” said Eun Young Choi, an attorney at Arnold & Porter and a former federal prosecutor with expertise in probing such cyberattacks. Choi highlighted how the growth in crypto adoption and market value has provided more lucrative targets for these state-backed groups.
Despite a reported decline in the number of confirmed incidents, North Korea was linked to a record 76% of compromises on centralized services in 2025. This efficiency underscores the regime’s patience and strategic focus on high-value opportunities.
Beyond centralized exchanges, the year saw a continued rise in personal wallet compromises, affecting an estimated 80,000 unique victims—nearly double the figure from a few years prior. While the total value stolen from individuals decreased slightly to around $713 million, the sheer volume of incidents reflects expanding risks as more people enter the crypto space.
In contrast, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols experienced relatively suppressed hack losses despite recovering total value locked (TVL), suggesting improvements in security measures, rapid response capabilities, and governance tools that can mitigate or even reverse attacks.
As the cryptocurrency industry navigates policy advancements and market fluctuations, the persistent threat from nation-state actors like North Korea remains a top concern. With few effective deterrents due to existing sanctions, experts anticipate continued aggressive operations in the coming years.
This unprecedented year of crypto theft serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital assets and the need for enhanced security protocols, international cooperation, and vigilant monitoring to protect the evolving ecosystem.

In an era where digital innovation is reshaping economic landscapes, Ethereum emerges as more than just a cryptocurrency platform—it’s positioning itself as the bedrock for a transformative, borderless financial ecosystem. With its native token, Ether (ETH), ranking as the second-largest digital asset globally, Ethereum’s influence extends far beyond simple value transfers, driving advancements in decentralization and automated financial operations.
The foundation of Ethereum lies in blockchain technology, a decentralized digital ledger distributed across thousands of computers worldwide. Unlike traditional systems controlled by banks or governments, this network ensures that all recorded data remains transparent and unalterable. Once information is added to the chain of blocks, any attempt to modify it is immediately detected and invalidated by the collective network, fostering a level of trust based on mathematical verification rather than institutional oversight.
Bitcoin introduced blockchain primarily for peer-to-peer currency transfers, but Ethereum, envisioned by programmer Vitalik Buterin in 2013, took this concept further by incorporating programmable elements. At the heart of this evolution are smart contracts—autonomous scripts that encode rules and execute them automatically when conditions are met. These contracts function without intermediaries, such as lawyers or financial institutions, allowing for self-enforcing agreements in areas like lending, trading, or even voting systems.
Transactions on Ethereum, including the execution of smart contract instructions, occur through a consensus mechanism where network participants, known as validators, verify and add operations to the blockchain. When a user initiates a transaction—whether sending Ether or triggering a smart contract—the request is broadcast to the network. Validators then bundle these requests into blocks, which are added to the chain in a sequential manner. The execution of instructions within smart contracts happens deterministically: the code runs exactly as written across all nodes, ensuring consistent outcomes without reliance on a central authority.
This process introduces a unique economic dynamic resembling an auction for limited resources. Each block has finite space, capable of holding only a certain number of transactions. With potentially thousands of users competing simultaneously to include their operations, priority is determined by transaction fees, often called gas fees in Ethereum’s context. Users attach a fee to their transaction, and validators prioritize those offering higher amounts, creating a real-time bidding system. Higher bids secure faster inclusion in the next available block, while lower ones may wait or risk exclusion during peak demand. This auction-like model incentivizes efficient network use and compensates validators for their role in maintaining security and processing power.
The programmability of Ethereum has sparked the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi), a suite of applications that mirror conventional banking services but operate on open protocols. Users can engage in lending, borrowing, or exchanging assets directly through the blockchain, accessible around the clock without geographic restrictions. Ether plays a dual role here: it fuels these transactions by covering fees and acts as a foundational asset for collateral and liquidity in DeFi protocols.
Ethereum’s strengths shine in its emphasis on security and neutrality. As the most decentralized smart contract platform, it secures vast amounts of value—peaking at over $330 billion in locked assets—making it highly resistant to attacks or censorship. Fees collected through the auction process are distributed to validators, who stake Ether to participate, aligning their interests with the network’s stability rather than centralized profits.
Institutional interest underscores Ethereum’s maturing role. Regulated markets now offer Ether-based derivatives and ETFs, enabling mainstream investors to participate seamlessly. Firms like BlackRock and JPMorgan are exploring Ethereum for tokenized assets, while governments, including the U.S., recognize its potential in digital infrastructure.
Future prospects hinge on Ethereum’s ability to tokenize real-world assets, converting items like property, stocks, or art into divisible digital tokens. This could democratize investment by allowing fractional ownership and instant, low-cost global transfers. Projections suggest the tokenized market might swell to $2 trillion by 2030, with Ethereum’s robust ecosystem making it a prime candidate.
Challenges persist, including scalability. High demand once led to congestion and elevated fees, but solutions like layer-2 networks now handle routine transactions off the main chain, settling periodically for security. Competitors tout faster processing, yet Ethereum’s entrenched developer base and network effects maintain its lead, with a market capitalization rivaling major financial corporations.
As Ethereum continues to evolve, it represents a shift toward a more inclusive, efficient global finance—one driven by code, community, and innovation, potentially redefining how value is created, exchanged, and secured worldwide.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether—the issuer of the world’s leading stablecoin USDT—has highlighted a potential AI bubble as the primary risk to Bitcoin’s stability heading into 2026. In a recent interview on the Bitcoin Capital podcast, Ardoino pointed out Bitcoin’s ongoing strong ties to traditional financial markets, which could expose it to fallout from overhyped AI investments.
Why the AI Boom Could Impact Bitcoin
Ardoino explained that Bitcoin remains “still too much correlated” to broader capital markets. Excessive spending by AI firms on infrastructure creates vulnerability. “That is the so-called AI bubble, this concern about the fact that AI companies are spending too much money in AI infrastructure and data centers and trying to build a gazillion gigawatts of power and installing GPUs,” Ardoino said.
If investor enthusiasm for AI cools in 2026, resulting stock market disruptions in tech-heavy indices could spill over into cryptocurrency prices, given Bitcoin’s sensitivity to risk sentiment.
Reasons for Optimism Amid Risks
Despite this concern, Ardoino sees no other significant threats to Bitcoin in 2026, thanks to rising involvement from pension funds and sovereign entities. These long-term holders provide a stabilizing “institutional floor.”
He anticipates that massive 80% drawdowns, like those in 2022 or 2018, are now unlikely. “So I would imagine that sharp corrections of 80%, like we saw in 2022 or early 2018, might not be the case anymore,” Ardoino predicted.
Ardoino also expressed caution about over-institutionalization: “You don’t want 99% of Bitcoin being institutionalized.”
Bullish Outlook on Real-World Asset Tokenization
Looking ahead, Ardoino is highly enthusiastic about the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). He forecasts explosive growth in tokenized securities and commodities, declaring they are “going to be massive.”
This trend could enhance blockchain’s credibility, draw more institutional funds, and potentially reduce Bitcoin’s dependence on speculative tech cycles.
Ardoino’s Bearish View on Europe
On a less positive note, Ardoino remains skeptical about crypto progress in Europe. “I’m very bearish on Europe,” he stated, criticizing the region’s regulatory approach under frameworks like MiCA. “Europe will always remain the last wheel of the cart whenever we talk about innovation.”
He argues European regulators are attempting to oversee technologies they do not fully comprehend, hindering advancement compared to other regions.
Key Takeaways for Bitcoin Investors in 2026
Ardoino’s insights underscore a nuanced future for Bitcoin: vulnerable to external market bubbles like AI yet bolstered by maturing fundamentals and institutional support. While the AI-driven risk warrants attention, developments in RWA tokenization and broader adoption could drive long-term resilience.
As Bitcoin continues integrating with traditional finance, monitoring correlations with tech stocks and regulatory shifts will be crucial for navigating 2026.

Polygon (POL), one of the most prominent Layer 2 scaling solutions for Ethereum, continues to play a vital role in making blockchain technology faster, cheaper, and more interconnected. Launched originally as the Matic Network in 2017 by founders Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic, the project rebranded to Polygon to emphasize its ambition of building a Web3-focused ecosystem. In September 2024, it completed a major upgrade by migrating its native token from MATIC to POL.
The POL token powers the network through governance participation, staking to secure the proof-of-stake chain, and covering gas fees. Polygon addresses Ethereum’s core limitations—high costs and slow speeds—by enabling rapid transaction processing (typically over 32 per second on average) at minimal fees, often under $0.01. It supports Ethereum-compatible chains, facilitates cross-chain communication, and allows developers to build custom networks. Initiatives like Polygon Village 2 further promote Web3 innovation by offering grants, mentorship, and resources to startups.
Surging Transactions Highlight Real-World Utility in Late 2025
Toward the end of 2025, Polygon has experienced a dramatic revival in on-chain activity, reaching levels not seen since the 2021 bull run. Daily transactions peaked above 8.1 million on December 10, while weekly volumes have stabilized beyond 43 million. This resurgence stands out because it stems from practical, consistent demand rather than fleeting speculative trends seen in past cycles.
The primary driver is Polymarket, the decentralized prediction market platform, which has channeled massive volumes through Polygon, especially via USDC-based settlements during high-profile event resolutions. Peer-to-peer stablecoin transfers have also contributed significantly. Polygon currently hosts around $2.8 billion in stablecoin liquidity, with USDC dominating the flows.
Supporting this growth, recent technical improvements have bolstered capacity. The Madhugiri hardfork, activated in early December 2025, increased throughput by about 33%, pushing sustainable performance toward 1,400 transactions per second and reducing block times. These enhancements have allowed the network to handle elevated volumes smoothly, without fee spikes or congestion, solidifying its reputation as an efficient settlement layer.
POL Price Lags Behind Network Strength
In a pattern increasingly common among utility-focused tokens, POL has failed to reflect this on-chain momentum. As of mid-December 2025, the token trades around $0.10–$0.113, hovering near multi-year lows. Derivatives open interest remains modest at approximately $35 million, signaling limited trader enthusiasm. Much of the network’s fee revenue bypasses direct POL demand, as many transactions settle in stablecoins like USDC.
Technical analysis paints a cautious picture, with the price trapped below major moving averages and momentum indicators showing persistent downward pressure, despite occasional oversold readings.
Polygon (POL) Price Prediction for 2026: Potential for Recovery Amid Strong Fundamentals
Analysts present a range of outlooks for POL in 2026, shaped by the ongoing gap between robust network usage and token economics. Conservative forecasts suggest the price could stay in the $0.12–$0.30 range if market conditions remain subdued and speculative interest stays low.
However, Polygon’s demonstrated real-world adoption—through prediction markets, stablecoin infrastructure, and continuous upgrades—provides a foundation for optimism. If broader cryptocurrency sentiment improves and Layer 2 solutions gain further traction, the token could see substantial upside. Several observers note that Polygon’s reliable utility makes it well-positioned for a notable rally, with some suggesting a surprise surge in 2026 should not be ruled out.
Expert Anton Kharitonov at Traders Union remains measured, stating: “Until POL convincingly reclaims $0.1263, I see little reason to expect a sustainable rebound.”
Overall, while short-term challenges persist, Polygon’s focus on scalable, low-cost infrastructure and growing ecosystem partnerships could drive meaningful appreciation in 2026, especially as Web3 applications mature and demand for efficient Ethereum scaling intensifies. Investors watching Polygon (POL) price predictions for 2026 should monitor network metrics and macro crypto trends closely.