Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Coils Near $88K as S-Reits Outperform on Rate Cuts

Bitcoin traders remain divided as market forecasts oscillate between a near-term crash and a rapid price rebound, with analysts closely monitoring on-chain indicators and macroeconomic signals. The cryptocurrency, which has been trading near $88,000 as of late December 2025, is currently in what some market observers describe as a "coiling phase." This consolidation period suggests a potential breakout in the coming months, though uncertainty remains about whether it will be upward or downward. Institutional analysts, including Bitwise Asset Management, emphasize that this phase represents high compression rather than a terminal breakdown.

Retail and institutional investors are watching closely, as the outcome could reshape the broader crypto market and influence flows into Bitcoin-centric assets. Some see the pullback as part of a post-halving cycle and a sign of undervaluation, while others warn of continued volatility amid macroeconomic uncertainty. This divergence in views has led to a fragmented market sentiment, with traders adopting both bullish and bearish positions ahead of the 2026 calendar.

Meanwhile, the broader financial markets have shown resilience, with Singapore's real estate investment trusts (S-Reits) posting one of their strongest annual performances in recent years. As of December 18, 2025, S-Reits have delivered a 14.4% total return including dividends, outperforming global peers such as the FTSE EPRA Nareit Asia ex Japan Index. This performance has been driven by lower interest rates, strong operating fundamentals, and growing investor appetite for industrial and data center assets, particularly those positioned to benefit from artificial intelligence-driven demand.

S-Reits Outperform Amid Lower Interest Rates

The improved performance of S-Reits is largely attributed to lower interest rates, with the U.S. Federal Reserve implementing three 25-basis-point rate cuts in 2025. Analysts expect further reductions in 2026, which bode well for real estate and income-generating assets. The industrial and data center segments have particularly benefited, with industrial Reits delivering 8% total returns and data center-focused names attracting significant retail inflows. This trend is supported by strong occupancy rates and positive rental reversions, which have contributed to year-on-year distribution growth.

Retail investor participation has also remained robust, with S$961 million in net inflows for the year to date. This contrasts with institutional outflows of S$1.3 billion, indicating a continued preference among individual investors for the income stability and growth potential of S-Reits. The 10 S-Reits that attracted the most retail inflows in 2025 are largely concentrated in the industrial and data center segments, reflecting the sector's alignment with emerging technological and economic trends.

Bitcoin Munari Enters Operational Phase

In the crypto space, a new development is gaining attention as Bitcoin Munari (BTCM) moves forward with its early public token launch. The project announced that the token will launch on December 28, 2025, earlier than originally planned, following the completion of key internal milestones. This transition marks the project's shift from a presale phase to active network operations, with validator participation and on-chain activity becoming central to its functioning.

Bitcoin Munari's model emphasizes long-term network security and token holder alignment, with validator rewards distributed over a ten-year period. This structure is designed to encourage sustained participation and discourage short-term speculative activity. Holders can choose from multiple participation paths, ranging from full validator operation to lightweight mobile validation and delegation. The launch is seen as a pivotal step in the project's development and could influence broader market sentiment in the early part of 2026.

Analysts Watch for Breakout Signals

Market analysts remain divided on whether Bitcoin is poised for a breakout or a further correction. Some argue that the current price consolidation is a sign of undervaluation and a prelude to a significant upward move in 2026, especially with favorable macroeconomic conditions on the horizon. Others caution that the market remains vulnerable to shocks, particularly if broader economic indicators point to tightening or renewed inflationary pressures.

On-chain analysts highlight Bitcoin's resilience, noting that past post-halving cycles have shown similar patterns of consolidation followed by strong price action. Institutional adoption and regulatory developments, particularly around ETF allocations and broader institutional frameworks, could further influence the market's trajectory. For now, traders and investors are holding their breath, waiting for clearer signals from both on-chain and off-chain sources.

What This Means for Investors

For investors, the divergent market narratives present both opportunities and risks. S-Reits continue to offer a stable income stream and growth potential, particularly in the industrial and data center sectors, which are aligned with global technological and economic shifts. The undervalued pricing of S-Reits, reflected in a price-to-book ratio of 0.95 and an average distribution yield of 5%, makes them an attractive option for income-focused portfolios.

In the crypto space, Bitcoin remains a key asset to monitor, with its coiling phase and impending BTCM launch adding to the volatility. Investors considering entry points into Bitcoin or related projects should remain cautious, given the potential for sharp price swings. Diversification and risk management remain critical as market dynamics evolve in early 2026.