The crypto market faces a pivotal week between December 8 and 13, 2025, as six major events converge to impact prices and sentiment. With multiple critical events condensed into a few days, the interplay of macroeconomic policy, technology milestones, legal proceedings, and regulatory action creates a unique dynamic.
Together, these forces are likely to influence altcoin valuations and shape investor confidence across the sector.
FOMC Interest Rate Decision Sets the Tone for Bitcoin
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will reveal its interest rate decision on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is an 87.4% chance of a rate cut, a 12.6% probability of no change, and no expectation of an increase.
Markets anticipate easier financial conditions, which could boost risk assets like Bitcoin. However, the greatest market movement is expected from Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s 2:30 p.m. ET press conference, which will provide key guidance for future monetary policy.
Solana Breakpoint Conference
The flagship Solana Breakpoint Conference begins December 11 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Organizers say this will be the largest Breakpoint yet, running through December 13.
The event overlaps with Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, placing Solana at the center of financial and technological attention.
Panels will focus on institutional adoption, with sessions on staking infrastructure for Solana ETFs and network security.
Breakout events like MEV Day, Block Zero, and Colosseum Breakpoint Arena will cover blockchain scaling and decentralized applications. Registration prices range from $100 for students to $700 for late-bird admission, keeping the event accessible to a broad audience.
Industry leaders and institutional investors will meet to discuss how to generate revenue within the Solana ecosystem.
The conference’s emphasis on strong infrastructure signals Solana’s increasing appeal for traditional finance participants seeking blockchain exposure.
Announcements made during the event could influence the Solana price, which traded for $138.49 as of this writing.
Do Kwon Sentencing and Implications for Terra
Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon will be sentenced on December 11, 2025, before Judge Engelmayer in the Southern District of New York.
Kwon pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud following the May 2022 collapse of the Terra blockchain, which included LUNA and UST stablecoin.
This collapse wiped out around $40 billion in market value and led to a broad crypto downturn, drawing more scrutiny to algorithmic stablecoins.
Kwon faces a possible maximum of 25 years in prison, though the final sentence will depend on various factors, such as cooperation and victim impact statements.
This sentencing is a key moment for accountability in crypto. It may shape global regulatory attitudes toward stablecoins and algorithmic projects.
Many in the industry see this as a potential precedent for how authorities will pursue future crypto fraud, which may influence confidence in emerging projects.
Nonetheless, developments at the court could sway sentiment for the LUNA price, which is down by almost 20% in the last 24 hours.
Aster Accelerates Buyback Program to Support Token
Aster will begin an accelerated Stage 4 buyback program on December 8, 2025, purchasing about $4 million in tokens each day for up to 10 days. The aim is to reduce volatility and support token holders through strategic liquidity management.
This approach front-loads liquidity to address concerns and shows Aster’s commitment to token economics. By concentrating purchases within a short window, the project aims to create upward price pressure and absorb excess selling.
The program is transparent, with set timelines and daily targets, contrasting with less structured methods used by other projects.
In token markets, buybacks can reduce supply, signal confidence, and align team incentives with holders. Aster’s aggressive schedule suggests urgency about market conditions or future announcements.
Bittensor’s TAO Halving
Bittensor’s first TAO halving will occur between December 12 and 15, 2025, depending on block timing. Daily token emissions drop from about 7,200 TAO to 3,600 TAO, copying Bitcoin’s fixed-supply model.
Since nearly half of the 21 million tokens are already in circulation, this marks a vital milestone for the AI-focused blockchain.
Grayscale Research notes the halving could increase scarcity and fuel price speculation as the network attracts developers building AI applications. The halving mechanism ensures predictable supply and rewards long-term validators.
Avalanche ETF Decision
Meanwhile, December 12 is the next deadline for US regulators to decide on an Avalanche ETF. The SEC has delayed decisions on applications from VanEck and Grayscale since mid-2025.
Approval could unlock institutional access to AVAX, while further delays may strengthen Bitcoin and Ethereum’s lead among regulated crypto products.
The SEC’s response will signal attitudes toward investment products for blockchains beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Approval may lead to more ETF filings, while further delays could reinforce the dominance of existing regulated assets.
