October 25, 2025 | 17:35As the S&P 500 trades at all-time highs with valuations reaching 30 times trailing earnings—significantly above historical norms—market veterans are sounding alarms about potential turbulence ahead. With the index up 35% from April lows and economic headwinds including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and a $38 trillion national debt gathering strength, experts warn that a 20% correction similar to earlier this year remains entirely possible. Investors should prepare now with defensive strategies to protect their portfolios.
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Bitwise CIO Predicts Record Bitcoin ETF Inflows by 2025
Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan forecasts a historic finish for Bitcoin ETFs in 2025, predicting Q4 inflows could reach unprecedented levels. He identifies three key catalysts driving this optimistic outlook, including major platform approvals from wealth management giants, the growing ‘debasement trade’ strategy, and Bitcoin’s strong market momentum. Early Q4 numbers already show $3.5 billion in ETF inflows within just four trading days, supporting Hougan’s bullish projection that the sector could easily exceed $10 billion more in inflows and potentially surpass last year’s record $36 billion.
read moreSBET vs. MSTR: Key Differences Impacting Ethereum Price
SharpLink Gaming (SBET) has rapidly transformed into the largest corporate Ether holder, amassing 280,706 ETH (≈ $925 million) and staking nearly all of it. Unlike MicroStrategy, which funds its Bitcoin strategy with long-dated convertible notes, SharpLink relies heavily on equity issuance via an at-the-market (ATM) facility, leading to immediate dilution. Daniel Yan highlights governance risks, noting SharpLink’s insiders—backed by a consortium of ETH holders—may prioritize short-term monetization over long-term stewardship. While Ether ETFs see record inflows, Yan warns SBET’s equity-driven model lacks the ‘flywheel’ effect of MSTR’s debt strategy, making it more vulnerable to negative shocks. The key divergence: MSTR dilutes only when winning, while SBET dilutes to place its bet.
read moreBitcoin’s Bull Run: Institutional Demand & Policy Tailwinds
Bitcoin’s 2024 bull run, up 30% YTD, is fueled by deepening institutional engagement, corporate treasury purchases (300K+ BTC), and spot ETF inflows ($16B YTD). VanEck’s Matthew Sigel notes declining volatility (23%) improves BTC’s portfolio fit, while policy tailwinds like the GENIUS Act (89% passage odds) signal regulatory progress. Miners’ net holdings post-halving and low supply movement (5.2% in 30 days) reflect strong holder conviction. Despite a 3% daily dip to $116K, macro conditions and potential Fed rate cuts position BTC as a strategic asset.
read moreMerrill Lynch Ordered to Pay $3.7M in Damages
Merrill Lynch, Bank of America’s wealth management division, must pay $3.7 million in damages and fees after losing an arbitration case filed by two clients, Qun He and Haihui Zhang. The claimants accused Merrill of violating securities laws, breaching fiduciary duty, and negligently supervising investments in illiquid proprietary feeder funds. A FINRA arbitration panel awarded $2.73 million in compensatory damages, $2,002 in costs, and $954,634 in attorneys’ fees. The disputed funds, linked to private equity firms like Apollo and Blackstone, underperformed advertised returns of 15-20%, yielding only around 3% after fees. Merrill Lynch denied wrongdoing but was held accountable by arbitrators.
read moreBank of America Advisor Banned for Stealing $2.58M from NFL Star
Isaiah Thomas Williams, a former financial advisor at Merrill Lynch (Bank of America’s wealth management division), has been banned from the securities industry following allegations that he stole $2.58 million from retired NFL player Reshad Jones. Authorities claim Williams siphoned $1.58 million through 133 wire transfers between 2022 and 2024, while also laundering an additional $1.03 million with the help of an accomplice. Court documents reveal Williams used the stolen funds for luxury expenses, including high-end shopping, travel, and legal fees. Bank of America stated it investigates such misconduct thoroughly and prioritizes client protection. Williams was arrested in June and released on $1 million bail.
read moreMajor Banks to Offer Bitcoin ETFs by 2025: Bitwise CIO
Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan forecasts that major financial institutions—Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and UBS—will offer Bitcoin ETF services by late 2025, collectively managing over $10 trillion in assets. Despite Bitcoin ETFs attracting $3.7 billion in 2025 (compared to $35 billion in 2024), Hougan expects a surge in institutional adoption as barriers like custody and regulatory hurdles diminish. He highlights previously ‘far-fetched’ developments, such as U.S. government Bitcoin holdings and BlackRock’s embrace of crypto, as signs of growing mainstream acceptance. Bitcoin’s price stood at $93,869 at the time of reporting, down 1.1% in 24 hours. Hougan believes more investors will recognize Bitcoin’s potential as institutional infrastructure matures.
read moreWall Street Brokers to Embrace Spot ETFs for Top Crypto Assets
Cathie Wood predicts that major broker-dealers will only show interest in spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, with the possibility of Solana. She believes wirehouses are conducting due diligence on Bitcoin ETFs and will likely offer them to clients soon. Wood also suggests that private funds will carefully select a few crypto assets for investment amid the growing market.
read moreBitcoin Investor Day: Expert Predicts FOMO Phase and Price Surge
Bitcoin investor Mark Yusko believes that the fear of missing out (FOMO) phase has not yet taken hold in the market, predicting that Bitcoin’s fair value could reach around $80,000 following its latest halving. He anticipates a surge in demand as sidelined traders and investors rush in once Bitcoin approaches this new fair value. Yusko also notes that FOMO has not yet begun, citing low search activity for Bitcoin on Google and the lack of inquiries from his own family members.
read moreNavigating Potential Stock Market Volatility: 7 Smart Moves for Investors
The stock market is at an all-time high, but experts warn of a potential crash. Investors are advised to build a cash reserve, close out margin positions, consider gold and silver investments, reinvest dividends, explore real estate, choose stocks carefully, and consider U.S. Treasury bonds. The article emphasizes the need for caution and preparation in the face of potential market downturns.
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