BTC breaks through the $98000 mark

[Brazilian Federal Police Launch Operation Kryptolaundry to Combat Crypto Money Laundering Involving 2.7 Billion Reais] The Brazilian Federal Police recently launched the 'Operation Kryptolaundry' in the Federal District, aimed at cracking down on criminal networks using crypto assets for illegal fundraising and money laundering. The operation executed 24 search warrants and 9 preventive arrests, involving 45 individuals and companies, with a total amount of 2.7 billion reais (approximately $500 million) implicated, of which 404 million reais were identified as illicit gains. The court has ordered the freezing of assets up to 685 million reais and the seizure of properties involved in the case. The subjects of the investigation face charges of financial crimes, money laundering, and organized crime.

[Kevin Warsh's probability of being nominated as Federal Reserve Chairman by Trump rises to 40%] Polymarket data shows that the probability of Kevin Warsh being nominated as Federal Reserve Chairman by U.S. President Trump has risen to 40%, up from 13% three days ago; the probability of Kevin Hassett being nominated has dropped from 73% to 52%. On December 13, President Trump stated that he has narrowed down his choices for the new Federal Reserve Chairman to Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett.

The institutional holdings of Bitcoin have reached approximately 5.94 million BTC, accounting for nearly 30% of the circulating supply. These holdings are distributed across exchanges ETF、 In the hands of listed companies and governments. （Cointelegraph）

[Citigroup Strategists: U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Expected to Steepen Driven by Short-Term Bonds] A report by Citigroup rate strategists indicates that the U.S. Treasury yield curve is expected to steepen, driven by short-term bonds. Due to the increased risk of rising unemployment rates caused by higher unemployment numbers or a sustained rebound in labor force participation, Citigroup leans toward a steepening bias for the bull market in 2026. The strategists believe that the market has already priced in expectations for further Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of this year, which will keep the middle part of the curve stable. Against the backdrop of a strong economy, a dovish Federal Reserve, and heightened supply concerns, the yield curve is expected to steepen further.

[Bank of Japan Plans to Raise Interest Rate to 0.75%, Potentially Reaching a 30-Year High] The Bank of Japan will hold a monetary policy meeting from December 18 to 19 and is currently finalizing plans to raise the policy interest rate from 0.5% to 0.75%, which would mark the highest level since 1995. Governor Kazuo Ueda has hinted at submitting a rate hike proposal, with more than half of the nine committee members expected to support it. The Japanese government has also generally endorsed the move. The Bank of Japan will make a final decision after assessing market conditions, and if implemented, this would be the first rate hike since January 2025.