Daily Brief: November 18, 2025

📈 Harvard's Big Bet on Bitcoin ETFs

Harvard University has tripled its stake in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF, now holding over 6.8 million shares valued at $442.8 million. This marks a significant increase from its initial investment earlier this year. The move highlights a growing trend of institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class.

This investment is part of a broader strategy that includes gold and tech stocks, showcasing Harvard's diversified approach. Despite Bitcoin's volatility, the university's endowment fund's decision to increase its Bitcoin holdings signals confidence in the cryptocurrency's long-term potential.

Harvard's bold move could influence other institutions to follow suit, further legitimizing Bitcoin in the eyes of traditional investors. As Bitcoin ETFs gain traction, innovations like Bitcoin Hyper are also emerging to address Bitcoin's transactional challenges, potentially expanding its use cases beyond a store of value.

Why it matters: Harvard's investment in Bitcoin ETFs could set a precedent for other institutions, potentially accelerating broader adoption and integration of cryptocurrency into mainstream finance.

🌐 Perpetual Futures for Bitcoin and Ether Debut in Asia and US

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to launch Bitcoin and Ether perpetual futures on November 24. These contracts, tied to iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, aim to blend the reliability of traditional markets with the flexibility of crypto. This move is seen as a step towards integrating digital assets into institutional portfolios.

In the US, Cboe Global Markets will introduce Continuous Futures for Bitcoin and Ether on December 15. These 10-year contracts offer a capital-efficient way for institutions to gain crypto exposure without rolling expiries. The initiative aligns with US regulations, enhancing market transparency and oversight.

Both SGX and Cboe's launches reflect a growing institutional appetite for regulated crypto products. By offering perpetual-style futures, these exchanges are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the crypto derivatives market, potentially influencing other exchanges to follow suit.

Why it matters: These launches mark a significant shift towards regulated crypto derivatives, potentially increasing institutional participation and market stability.

💰 Strategy's Bold Bitcoin Bet Amid Market Swings

Michael Saylor's Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has made waves by purchasing 8,178 Bitcoin for $835.6 million. This move marks a shift back to large acquisitions after a period of smaller buys. The purchase was largely funded through preferred share issuance, raising $715 million.

Despite the hefty investment, Bitcoin prices dipped slightly, and Strategy's stock remains under pressure. Saylor hinted at this purchase in a recent interview, aiming to boost investor confidence. However, the market's response has been lukewarm, reflecting broader challenges.

Strategy's total Bitcoin holdings now stand at 649,870 BTC, valued at $48.37 billion. This move underscores Saylor's unwavering belief in Bitcoin's long-term value, even as critics like Peter Schiff challenge the company's strategy in public debates.

Why it matters: This bold acquisition highlights the strategic maneuvers companies are making in the volatile crypto market, showcasing Bitcoin's role as a key asset despite market uncertainties.

📉 DappRadar Shutdown: A Wake-Up Call for DeFi Analytics

DappRadar, once a cornerstone in the DeFi analytics world, has announced its closure due to financial unsustainability. The platform, which tracked blockchain activity for seven years, cited the current market environment as a key challenge. Following the announcement, the RADAR token's value plummeted by up to 38%, reflecting investor concerns.

Founded during the CryptoKitties era, DappRadar became essential for developers and users seeking blockchain insights. Despite its success, rising operational costs and market volatility proved too much. The team has promised transparency in handling the DAO and token issues during the shutdown process.

This closure signals broader challenges in the DeFi analytics sector. As platforms struggle with financial pressures, the sustainability of similar projects is in question. The shutdown might lead to market fragmentation, affecting developers and investors who rely on these analytics.

Why it matters: DappRadar's shutdown highlights the financial fragility in DeFi analytics, raising concerns about the future stability and sustainability of similar platforms.

📉 Bitcoin's Bumpy Ride: Navigating the Price Dip

Bitcoin's price has taken a hit, dipping below the $100,000 mark, a critical level for many traders. This decline comes amidst a broader risk-off sentiment in global markets, especially following turbulence in U.S. tech stocks. Analysts suggest that if Bitcoin fails to hold support between $93,000 and $95,000, we could see further drops.

The market is currently dominated by bearish sentiment, with significant selling pressure from large holders. Bitcoin's recent low of $96,600 is the lowest since May, and the market structure is weakening. Reduced ETF inflows and long-term holders selling off their positions are contributing to the downward pressure.

As we navigate these choppy waters, all eyes are on upcoming economic data and Federal Reserve decisions, which could influence market sentiment. A reclaim of the $97,000 level is crucial for a potential recovery. However, failure to hold above $95,000 might lead to deeper declines, as liquidity levels below $90,000 become the next focus.

Why it matters: Bitcoin's price movements reflect broader economic conditions, impacting investor strategies and market stability.