Crypto Market Events To Watch This Week As Year Ends: Is a Breakout or Breakdown Next?
Crypto Market Events To Watch This Week As Year Ends: Is a Next?
As 2025 draws to a close and 2026 looms on the horizon, the crypto market is flashing early signals of recovery after a bruising week-long dip. Global cryptocurrency market capitalization has climbed 0.67% in the last 24 hours, hitting around $2.97 trillion. Bitcoin (BTC) is holding firm above its crucial $87,000 support, Ethereum (ETH) lingers below $3,000 but hints at a rebound, XRP defends $1.85 after stalling at $2, and Solana (SOL) stays resilient over $120.
However, altcoins like Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and Binance Coin (BNB) are still playing catch-up, showing minimal sparks of life. With year-end festivities approaching, traders are laser-focused on a packed schedule of macroeconomic events that could swing sentiment wildly. Will these catalysts ignite a bullish breakout into the new year or trigger another breakdown? Let’s break down the crypto market events to watch this week.
Current Crypto Market Snapshot: Recovery in Motion?
The crypto space is stabilizing after recent turbulence. Bitcoin’s resilience above $87,000 suggests buyers are stepping in at key levels, potentially setting the stage for a push toward $90,000 if momentum builds. Ethereum’s struggle under $3,000 reflects broader altcoin weakness, but rising network activity and ETF inflows could flip the script.
XRP’s hold at $1.85 comes amid ongoing regulatory optimism, while Solana’s perch above $120 underscores its high-throughput appeal for DeFi and meme coin traders. Lagging alts like DOGE and ADA need macro tailwinds to rally, as retail enthusiasm wanes without fresh catalysts.
- Bitcoin (BTC): Support at $87,000; resistance at $90,000–$92,000
- Ethereum (ETH): Key level $3,000; watch for $3,200 breakout
- XRP: $1.85 floor; $2 ceiling test incoming
- Solana (SOL): Above $120; $150 target if volume surges
This week’s data drops could dictate whether these levels hold or shatter, influencing everything from institutional flows to retail FOMO.
Crypto Market Events Calendar: A Volatile Week Ahead
The final week of 2025 is stacked with U.S. economic releases that ripple directly into crypto. Lower interest rates, cooling inflation, and robust liquidity have historically fueled bull runs—think 2025’s ETF approvals and billions in inflows. Here’s the lineup:
Monday: Federal Reserve Annual Macro Report & Pending Home Sales
Kicking off the week, the Fed’s annual macroeconomic report drops, shedding light on inflation trends, GDP forecasts, and broader financial conditions. Investors crave clues on whether rate cuts continue into 2026, as persistent inflation could delay easing and pressure risk assets like crypto.
Also on deck: November pending home sales data. A rebound here signals housing market recovery, easing affordability woes tied to high rates. Paired with Tuesday’s S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, these paint a picture of consumer health—vital for crypto sentiment, as strong housing often correlates with risk-on behavior.
Tuesday: FOMC Meeting Minutes & Case-Shiller Home Price Index
The spotlight intensifies with FOMC minutes from the December meeting. Traders dissect Fed speakers’ tones on interest rates ahead of the late-January policy update. Dovish hints (more cuts) could spark a crypto rally; hawkish vibes might extend the chop.
The Case-Shiller index follows, tracking 20 major U.S. cities’ home prices. Soaring values amid high mortgage rates highlight stagflation risks, potentially dampening equity and crypto enthusiasm.
Wednesday: Initial Jobless Claims
Midweek brings weekly initial jobless claims from the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week’s figure fell 10,000 to 214,000, underscoring labor market strength. Continued low claims bolster Fed confidence to hold or hike rates, but a spike could signal cracks, boosting cut odds and crypto bets.
This data is a Fed policy bellwether—strong jobs delay easing, hurting high-beta assets like BTC and ETH.
Thursday: New Year’s Holiday – Low Volume Watch
Markets thin out for New Year’s Eve/Day holidays. Expect whipsaws from low liquidity, where even minor news amplifies moves. Position lightly; use this breather to assess the week’s data.
Friday: U.S. Money Supply Report (M2)
Capping the week: M2 money supply figures. Expanding liquidity has been crypto’s best friend, driving prices as investors seek inflation hedges. Shrinking M2? A red flag for risk assets, potentially capping any year-end rally.
| Day | Event | Crypto Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Fed Macro Report & Pending Home Sales | Inflation/GDP clues; housing sentiment |
| Tuesday | FOMC Minutes & Case-Shiller | Rate policy insights; affordability pressures |
| Wednesday | Jobless Claims | Labor strength vs. weakness |
| Thursday | New Year Holiday | Low volume volatility |
| Friday | M2 Money Supply | Liquidity trends for risk assets |
Technical Levels & Price Predictions: Breakout or Breakdown?
For bulls to prevail, Bitcoin must reclaim $90,000 decisively—failure risks a drop to $85,000. Ethereum breaking $3,000 opens $3,500; below $2,800 spells trouble for alts. XRP eyes $2 on positive macro, while Solana could surge to $150 if DeFi volumes spike.
Altcoins remain cautious, mirroring 2025’s pattern: BTC leads, alts follow. A clean sweep of dovish data could unleash the 2026 bull run, targeting $3.5T+ market cap.
2026 Outlook: Rollercoaster Continues
2025 was wild—ETFs poured in billions, BTC hit new highs, yet volatility reigned. Analysts eye 2026 for more: potential rate cuts, election aftermath, and blockchain adoption. But macro headwinds like sticky inflation loom.
Don’t get shaken out. Stack sats, hedge with stables, and trade with stops. This week’s events could be the pivot.
Final Thoughts: Eyes on the Data
The crypto market events to watch this week hold the keys to
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