Crypto Morning Brief: Kraken Plans to Launch Prediction Market, Trend Research to Purchase $1 Billion in ETH

marsbitPublished on 2025-12-25Last updated on 2025-12-25

Abstract

Crypto Exchange Kraken plans to launch a prediction market service in 2026, as revealed by its global head of consumer business. In market news, U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 214,000, below expectations. BlackRock strategists suggest the Fed may deliver only limited rate cuts in 2026 as it nears neutral rates. In funding developments, LD Capital founder Yili Hua announced that Trend Research is preparing an additional $1 billion to buy more ETH, following a recent $137 million purchase. Meanwhile, a ZK verification platform, disclosed its tokenomics: a 1 billion token supply with significant allocations for ecosystem development and community incentives. Sonic Labs adjusted its airdrop model, shifting from large distributions to more sustainable incentive strategies, while Curve DAO rejected a $6.2 million funding proposal for core development, raising governance concerns. Polymarket confirmed a security breach via a third-party authentication provider, though the issue has been resolved. Other notable events include Aave’s founder facing criticism over a large token purchase ahead of a governance vote, and Metaplanet approving plans to raise funds toward a goal of holding 210,000 BTC by 2027.

Author: Deep Tide TechFlow

Yesterday's Market Dynamics

US Initial Jobless Claims for the Week Ending Dec 20: 214K, Expected 224K

US Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending December 20 were 214,000, compared to an expectation of 224,000 and a previous reading of 224,000.

BlackRock: Fed's 2026 Rate Cuts May Be Limited

BlackRock strategists Amanda Lynam and Dominique Bly noted in a report that the Federal Reserve is expected to implement only limited rate cuts in 2026. With a total of 175 basis points of cuts already in this cycle, the Fed is approaching a neutral interest rate level. Unless there is a sharp deterioration in the labor market, there is very limited room for further cuts in 2026. According to LSEG data, the market currently expects two rate cuts from the Fed in 2026.

CNBC: Kraken Plans to Launch Prediction Market Service in 2026

According to CNBC, cryptocurrency exchange Kraken plans to launch a prediction market service in 2026. Kraken's Global Head of Consumer Business, Mark Greenberg, revealed this plan during an appearance on CNBC Crypto World.

Brevis Unveils Tokenomics Model: Total Supply 1 Billion, 32.20% for Community Incentives

According to an official announcement, ZK verifiable computing platform Brevis has released details of its ecosystem's native token, $BREV.

The total supply of $BREV is 1 billion tokens, with 37% allocated to ecosystem development, 32.20% for community incentives, 20% to the team, and 10.80% to investors.

The ecosystem development and community incentive portions will be linearly released over 24 months after initial unlock, with 14.50% and 10.50% of the tokens circulating at TGE, respectively. The team and investor allocations are fully locked for the first year with no initial unlock, followed by a linear release over 24 months.

Previously, Brevis Network raised $7.5 million in a seed round led by Polychain Capital and Binance Labs.

Sonic Adjusts Token Airdrop Model, Remaining 92.2 Million Tokens in Treasury for Future Incentives

According to the official Sonic Labs blog, Sonic is transitioning from its early distribution phase to a value creation phase, adjusting its token incentive strategy. Since minting 190.5 million S tokens in June 2025, approximately 89.5 million were distributed in Q1, about 6 million in Q2, and around 2.8 million in the Kaito event. The treasury currently holds approximately 92.2 million S tokens, which will be used for incentive programs in 2026 and 2027.

Sonic stated that while the "airdrop model" in the crypto industry over the past few years has driven short-term data growth, it is also a double-edged sword. The Q1 airdrop successfully brought Sonic over $1 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), but large-scale incentives also attracted short-term participants and created selling pressure. Sonic will no longer conduct additional airdrop mints. The remaining tokens will be used for airdrops, incentives, or burns, while the tokenomics model will be re-evaluated to ensure network activity creates value for long-term participants.

Curve DAO Rejects $6.2 Million Funding Proposal for Swiss Stake

According to The Defiant, Curve DAO has rejected a governance proposal to grant 17.4 million CRV tokens (approximately $6.2 million) to Swiss Stake AG, the core development company for decentralized exchange Curve Finance.

The proposal, submitted by Curve Finance founder Michael Egorov, aimed to provide funding to the Swiss Stake team, which he manages, for software development, infrastructure, security work, and ecosystem support. Voting results showed 54.46% of participants opposed the proposal, while 45.54% supported it.

Voting data indicated that addresses associated with Yearn Finance and Convex Finance accounted for nearly 90% of the opposing votes. Community members commented on the forum that the proposal raised centralization concerns, questioning whether Curve's governance is overly reliant on a small group. Some members also suggested that Swiss Stake should better explain the use of past allocations before new funding is approved.

Hyper Foundation: HYPE Tokens in Aid Fund Officially Recognized as Burned

Hyper Foundation announced on social media that the HYPE tokens in the aid fund address have been officially recognized as burned. This governance vote used a staking-weight-based counting method, resulting in 85% of staked tokens supporting the burn, 7% opposed, and 8% abstained.

Polymarket Confirms User Accounts Hacked Due to Third-Party Authentication Vulnerability

According to The Block, crypto prediction market platform Polymarket confirmed on December 24 that multiple user accounts were hacked due to a security vulnerability in a third-party authentication provider. Affected users reported on social media that their funds were drained even with two-factor authentication enabled. The issue appeared to be related to the email login service provided by Magic Labs, a common registration method for many first-time crypto users.

Polymarket stated that this security issue has been resolved and there is no ongoing risk, but did not disclose the number of affected users or the amount of losses.

Aave Founder's $10 Million Token Purchase Accused of Potential Governance Vote Manipulation

According to Cointelegraph, Aave founder Stani Kulechov recently sparked community controversy by purchasing $10 million worth of AAVE tokens. Critics pointed out that this move may be intended to increase his influence in key governance proposal votes. The current controversy centers on a proposal to reclaim control of the protocol's brand assets, which is accused of being rushed to a vote without sufficient discussion. Data shows that the top three voters in Aave DAO control over 58% of the voting power, raising questions about the fairness of the governance mechanism.

Yi Lihua: Trend Research to Prepare Another $1 Billion to Continue Accumulating ETH

LD Capital founder Yi Lihua stated on social media, "I announce that Trend Research is preparing another $1 billion to continue buying and accumulating ETH on this basis. We practice what we preach and strongly advise against shorting. Without a doubt, this is a historic opportunity."

Previously, it was reported that Yi Lihua's Trend Research acquired 46,000 ETH today, approximately $137 million.

Metaplanet Board Approves Expanded Bitcoin Purchase Plan

According to Dlnews, Japanese company Metaplanet's board has approved several equity proposals aimed at raising funds to achieve the goal of holding 210,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2027. Based on the current Bitcoin price (approximately $87,250 per coin), these Bitcoins would be worth over $18 billion. The company will issue Class A and Class B shares with floating interest rates and quarterly dividends, while also opening investment channels to overseas institutional investors.

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Related Questions

QWhat is Kraken planning to launch in 2026 according to the article?

AKraken is planning to launch a prediction market service in 2026.

QHow much ETH does Trend Research plan to purchase with its additional $1 billion funding?

ATrend Research plans to use the additional $1 billion to continue accumulating and buying more ETH.

QWhat was the outcome of the Curve DAO proposal to grant 17.4 million CRV to Swiss Stake AG?

AThe Curve DAO proposal was rejected, with 54.46% of participants voting against it.

QWhat reason did BlackRock strategists give for expecting limited Fed rate cuts in 2026?

ABlackRock strategists stated that with 175 basis points of cumulative rate cuts already in the cycle, the Fed is approaching a neutral rate, and unless the labor market deteriorates sharply, there is limited room for further cuts in 2026.

QWhat security issue did Polymarket confirm on December 24th that affected user accounts?

APolymarket confirmed that multiple user accounts were hacked due to a security vulnerability in a third-party authentication provider, specifically related to the email login service provided by Magic Labs.

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marsbit35m ago

After Three Consecutive Quarters of Decline, Can the Crypto Market Find a Window for Stabilization in Q3?

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Former CFTC Chairman, Circle President Tarbert: Preaching Long-Termism While Cashing Out $30 Million Himself

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