Coinbase Markets Podcast

In this year-end episode, our Coinbase Research team wraps up 2025 by grading their crypto market predictions from the previous year and discussing key themes for 2026. The hosts score their prior year outlook on macro trends, tokenization, and the resurgence of DeFi/DEX volumes. Find out which calls earned high marks and where projections were “overly optimistic.” They then look ahead and share their optimism for a recovery in the first half, supported by the ongoing rate cutting cycle; the rise of prediction markets; the continued explosion in crypto derivatives; the endgame for application-specific chains; and the path for stablecoin growth in the year ahead.Speakers:David Duong, CFA - Global Head of Investment Research (X: DavidDuong)Colin Basco - Research Associate (X: colin_basco) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Crypto racked up some wins this week with Vanguard and Bank of America opening the door for their clients to trade the asset class, though many still wonder why BTC isn’t trading substantively higher given all the good news. Our Head of Research, David Duong, remains constructive due to favorable macro conditions but acknowledges that it’s hard to identify the marginal buyer at the moment. That said, he still thinks DATs are a meaningful source of demand. Meanwhile, the Fed decision is coming and a rate cut seems to be a lock. But what’s the consensus sentiment on the board? How will they interpret recent inflation trends? Fear of hawkish messaging seems to be pervasive. Separately, David and Colin debate the merits of trying to trade the potential nomination of Kevin Hassett to Fed Chair. Finally, we cover Ethereum’s latest upgrade and the implications for ETH's price.Speakers:David Duong, CFA - Global Head of Investment Research (X: Dav1dDuong)Colin Basco - Research Associate (X: colin_basco)  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Coinbase Research dissects the post-Thanksgiving crypto landscape, marked by low liquidity and high volatility. We debate a “trend variant” approach to dollar cost averaging (DCA), explore the implications of the Fed ending quantitative tightening, and the market implications of a highly anticipated December Fed rate cut—stressing that the commentary’s tone will matter more than most meetings. The sell off from concerns over a Bank of Japan hike (leading to an unwind of JPY carry trades) seems to be over for now. We also examine the unsettling trend of AI-driven white-collar layoffs and its effect on the ‘K-shaped economy’. Finally, we dive into bitcoin’s key onchain and technical signals, from long-term holder distribution and bearish options positioning to the critical battle to reclaim the 50-day moving average and the $98K-100K support zone.Speakers:David Duong, CFA - Global Head of Investment Research (X: Dav1dDuong)Colin Basco - Research Associate (X: colin_basco) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Crypto markets have gone through a broad repricing as doubts about AI ROI, the unwind of the momentum trade, and renewed uncertainty around the December FOMC meeting collide. We unpack why this macro mix matters more than usual: a prolonged government shutdown has jeopardized October 2025 releases, adding to uncertainty about what comes next. That said, we think the signal from small business earnings still points to cuts. But the longer-time-frame trend reduces the room for speculation, making it hard to pick strong altcoin names. Should investors buy/hold/sell here? Is this the capitulation we were waiting for, or will there be a further purge? Tune in to hear our latest thoughts.Speakers:David Duong, CFA - Global Head of Investment ResearchColin Basco - Research Associate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode unpacks a fragile week in crypto markets, discussing why reactive positioning can beat buying dips in downtrends, and what November’s liquidity signals could mean for a potential year‑end turn. We map the landscape of softening demand—from corporate treasuries to ETF outflows—alongside key technical zones that now define the range, and what renewed options hedging is signaling about downside risk and rebound potential.  We also talk about how shifting FOMC odds are feeding risk sentiment, and why the much‑debated AI trade—between massive capex and slower monetization—matters for crypto markets and sector rotation.Speakers:David Duong, CFA - Global Head of Investment ResearchGeorg Toropov - Senior CES Sales TraderColin Basco - Research Associate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.