Crypto News Weekly Recap: Bitcoin Losses, US Crypto Policy, Institutional Buying, and the Stablecoin Debate
This week’s crypto headlines were shaped by rising macro uncertainty, renewed geopolitical tensions, and intensifying policy debates. Bitcoin showed signs of short-term stress, while institutional players, regulators, and industry leaders continued to define the long-term direction of digital assets.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin holders recorded their first 30-day stretch of realized losses since late 2023.
- Gold surged to record highs as risk appetite weakened and ETF outflows returned.
- US crypto policy took center stage, with China framed as a strategic competitor.
- Michael Saylor’s Strategy doubled down on Bitcoin accumulation.
- Decentralized social media re-emerged as a core Web3 narrative.
- Stablecoin yields became a major regulatory battleground in the US.
Bitcoin holders record first sustained realized losses since 2023
Bitcoin investors have experienced a net realized loss over a 30-day period for the first time since late 2023, according to CryptoQuant data. The metric indicates that coins moved onchain during the past month were sold below their acquisition cost, suggesting selling pressure from higher-cost holders rather than panic-driven capitulation. The shift occurred alongside surging gold prices, rising geopolitical tensions, and nearly $395 million in net outflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs, reflecting a broader move toward risk-off positioning.
Trump links US crypto policy to competition with China
US President Donald Trump said preventing China from gaining control over key crypto markets is a central reason behind his administration’s support for digital asset legislation. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump highlighted the GENIUS Act as both politically popular and strategically necessary, while hinting that broader market structure reforms, including the CLARITY Act, could advance soon. Stablecoins and global competitiveness remain at the core of the debate.
Michael Saylor’s Strategy surpasses 700,000 BTC in holdings
Michael Saylor’s Strategy expanded its Bitcoin holdings to 709,715 BTC after acquiring 22,305 BTC for $2.1 billion, marking its largest purchase since early 2025. The company now controls more than 3.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply, reinforcing its long-term accumulation strategy. The move coincided with rising Bitcoin prices and renewed interest in digital asset treasury companies following recent market uncertainty.
Vitalik Buterin prioritizes decentralized social media in 2026
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said decentralized social media will be a top focus in 2026, arguing that shared, open social data layers are essential for restoring competition and improving online communication. He criticized SocialFi models driven by token speculation and urged builders to focus on sustainable designs that reward content quality and user alignment. The comments come amid leadership changes and consolidation across leading decentralized social platforms.
Circle CEO dismisses bank-run fears tied to stablecoin yields
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire rejected concerns that yield-bearing stablecoins could trigger bank runs, calling the argument “totally absurd” during discussions at Davos. Allaire compared stablecoin yields to long-standing money market funds and emphasized their role in customer retention rather than financial instability. He also pointed to artificial intelligence as a major future driver of stablecoin adoption, citing the need for programmable payments for AI agents.
US banking lobby makes banning stablecoin yields a 2026 priority
The American Bankers Association named stopping stablecoin yields as a top priority for 2026, warning that interest-bearing stablecoins could pull deposits away from traditional banks and reduce lending capacity. While banking leaders argue trillions could exit the banking system, crypto executives counter that banning yields would weaken the competitiveness of the US dollar against China’s digital yuan. The issue is expected to remain central as Congress debates crypto market structure legislation.
Final Thoughts
This week highlighted a growing divide between short-term market stress and long-term structural confidence in crypto. While Bitcoin faced selling pressure and macro headwinds, institutional accumulation, regulatory engagement, and infrastructure-focused narratives continued to strengthen. As policy battles over stablecoins and global competition intensify, the coming months may prove pivotal in shaping crypto’s next phase of adoption.
