Peter Brandt Warns Bitcoin’s Parabola Is Broken, Points to $25K Scenario

Kevin Hassett, a leading contender for the next US Federal Reserve chair, has stated that the central bank does not take instructions from the White House and that Donald Trump’s views on interest rates will not shape monetary policy. Hassett said the Federal Reserve is designed to operate independently and bases its decisions on economic data rather than political pressure.

He emphasized that interest rate decisions are made collectively by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), not by the president or any single official. The comments come as markets closely watch the race to lead the Fed amid concerns over political influence.

Fed Chair Race Narrows Between Hassett and Warsh

The contest to succeed current Fed chair Jerome Powell is tightening. Trump recently confirmed that two candidates named Kevin are leading the race: Kevin Hassett and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh. While Trump has hinted that Warsh may currently be his preferred option, both remain strong contenders.

Prediction markets reflect the shifting dynamics. Hassett previously led the odds by a wide margin, but Trump’s recent remarks have narrowed the gap, increasing uncertainty around the final decision. This has kept investors across traditional finance and crypto markets on alert.

Trump’s Views on Interest Rates, But No Direct Control

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for lower interest rates and has said future Fed leaders should consult with him on monetary policy. Hassett acknowledged that discussions with the president can occur but drew a firm distinction between consultation and control.

According to Hassett, even strong arguments from the White House do not override the Fed’s structure. Policy decisions depend on how the FOMC evaluates inflation, employment, and economic data, followed by a committee vote rather than executive direction.

Recent Fed Rate Cut Triggers Limited Market Reaction

The Federal Reserve recently announced a 25-basis-point rate cut, but markets showed little reaction. Equity markets remained stable, while crypto prices traded mostly flat following the decision. The muted response suggests traders are waiting for clearer policy signals rather than reacting to individual rate moves.

Powell has described the current economic environment as difficult to navigate. Inflation risks remain, while pressure in the labor market is building, limiting how aggressively the Fed can ease policy in the near term.

Debate Over Federal Reserve Independence

Hassett’s comments have sparked debate within the crypto and financial communities. Crypto market commentator Edge of Power questioned whether the Fed can remain fully independent while acknowledging the president’s strong views on monetary policy. The remarks have fueled speculation about informal political influence behind closed doors.

Analysts Defend Hassett’s Track Record

Others argue that concerns over Fed independence are overstated. Analyst Rubén Anguiano highlighted Hassett’s academic background, experience working with the Federal Reserve, and consistent reliance on data-driven analysis. According to Anguiano, Hassett has supported interest rate cuts only when inflation conditions allow and has repeatedly defended the Fed’s independence.

As the decision on the next Federal Reserve chair approaches, markets are likely to remain sensitive to any signals on policy direction, leadership choices, and the future path of US interest rates.

FAQs

The Fed chair also shapes regulatory priorities, communication strategy, and crisis response frameworks. Their leadership affects how quickly the Fed reacts to financial stress, banking risks, or unexpected shocks, not just where rates are set.

The president nominates a candidate, who must then be confirmed by the US Senate, typically through hearings in the Senate Banking Committee. The process can take several months, and delays or political pushback can add uncertainty for markets.

Fed leadership influences liquidity conditions, risk appetite, and the broader stance on financial innovation. Even without direct crypto regulation, shifts in monetary tone can affect capital flows into digital assets.

Bond markets usually react first, as yields quickly adjust to expectations about inflation and future rates. Those moves then ripple to equities, currencies, emerging markets, and eventually consumer borrowing costs such as mortgages and business loans.

YoungHoon Kim, the supposed world’s highest IQ holder, personally believes XRP could rise to $100 within 5 years. This is an extremely high target considering XRP’s current price (around $0.5–$1 historically).

Kil began posting about XRP very recently (specifically on Dec. 12). Back then, he stated that he would start buying XRP. 

The sudden XRP endorsement appears to be primarily engagement bait. 

Before the, his posts focused heavily on religious declarations and Bitcoin maximalism, 

This 180-degree pivot from a Bitcoin advocate to an XRP uber-bull without any reasoning is certainly ridiculous. 

Does he actually have the world’s highest IQ? 

Many of Kim’s posts follow a formula: a bold claim + the "IQ 276 verifiable below" link. 

However, very few people actually believe that he is the world’s smartest man. 

the IQ score is statistically implausible. This would represents a rarity of about 1 in 10^29 people

His endorsements come from organizations like the World Memory Championships, World Mind Sports Council, GIGA Society Professional, and others. Many of these are either founded by or closely tied to individuals associated with his claims.

A detailed VICE article interviewed multiple high-IQ society leaders, who unanimously rejected the claim's validity. 

“Based on my personal view, you just used only a quarter, perhaps even less, of your IQ,” an Bitcoin maximalist quipped on the X social media network after reading Kim’s XRP price prediction.

Bitcoin continues to trade in a narrow range just below the $90,000 level, reflecting a broader pause in market momentum as the year draws to a close. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last hovering around $89,700, down roughly 1.2% over the past 24 hours, with price action largely subdued.

The lack of volatility reflects a wider consolidation phase, as institutional trading desks scale back activity ahead of the holidays. With liquidity thinning and risk appetite muted, market participants appear reluctant to take fresh directional bets.Post-October Correction Sets a Defensive Tone

The current sideways movement follows a sharp correction from Bitcoin’s October highs. On October 10, BTC was trading above $113,000 before a steep sell-off reset market expectations. That drawdown has since fostered a more cautious tone, particularly as the market enters a traditionally low-liquidity period.

On-chain and derivatives data suggest participation has steadily weakened through the final quarter. A recent shows trading activity declining from November into December, alongside expectations that implied volatility will continue to compress toward year-end.

“The contraction in volume reflects a more defensive overall market positioning, with less liquidity-driven capital flow available to absorb volatility or sustain directional moves,” Glassnode noted.Institutional Fatigue and a Wait-and-See Market

That assessment aligns with commentary from market analysts, including Markus Thielen of 10x Research, who has pointed to signs of “institutional fatigue.” Despite substantial spot Bitcoin ETF inflows earlier in the year, those allocations have yet to translate into sustained upside, prompting funds to de-risk and close books into year-end.

10x Weekly Crypto Kickoff – Why Year-End Risk Skews to the DownsideThe report covers derivatives positioning, volatility trends, and funding dynamics across Bitcoin and Ethereum, along with sentiment, technical signals, ETF and stablecoin flows, option activity, expected… — 10x Research (@10x_Research)

With retail participation also subdued, analysts broadly agree that the conditions for a meaningful breakout are lacking. Even the Federal Reserve’s recent neutral stance on interest rates has failed to act as a catalyst for renewed institutional positioning.

For now, Bitcoin appears content to remain range-bound, with traders and investors alike waiting for clearer signals, and deeper liquidity, likely not until the New Year.

Dogecoin started a fresh decline below the $0.1400 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now consolidating losses and might face hurdles near $0.1400.

• DOGE price started a fresh decline below the $0.1400 level.
• The price is trading below the $0.1380 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
• There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1375 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
• The price could extend losses if it stays below $0.1400 and $0.1420.

Dogecoin Price Dips Further

Dogecoin price started a fresh decline after it closed below $0.1420, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. DOGE declined below the $0.1400 and $0.1380 support levels.

The price even traded below $0.1350. A low was formed near $0.1326, and the price recently corrected some losses. There was a minor increase toward the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1530 swing high to the $0.1326 low.

Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.1400 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. If there is a recovery wave, immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.1380 level. There is also a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1375 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair.

The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.140 level. The next major resistance is near the $0.1425 level and the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1530 swing high to the $0.1326 low. A close above the $0.1425 resistance might send the price toward the $0.1450 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.1500 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.1550.

Another Decline In DOGE?

If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.140 level, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.1340 level. The next major support is near the $0.1325 level.

The main support sits at $0.130. If there is a downside break below the $0.130 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might slide toward the $0.1250 level or even $0.1240 in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now gaining momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $0.1340 and $0.1300.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.1400 and $0.1420.

A live X Space featuring Aleo’s cofounder Howard Wu will discuss the partnership between Aleo and Houdini Swap, focusing on private cross-chain liquidity and the upcoming roadmap. Such public discussions with founding teams can provide insights into strategic direction, technical milestones, or new initiatives that affect sentiment. Depending on disclosures or community reception, these sessions have the potential to drive near-term price action and trading volume. Details are available from the event’s announcement.

AscendEX will open Beldex (BDX) deposits on December 14 and trading for the BDX/USDT pair on December 15. New exchange listings often increase liquidity and broaden market access, which can reduce trading spreads and attract fresh participants. Such events, particularly on established platforms like AscendEX, sometimes precede periods of heightened volatility or price appreciation as speculative and organic demand interact. For confirmation and timing, see the official announcement.