Morning Minute: Circle Earnings Highlight a Massive Day for Crypto
Circle reported outstanding Q4 earnings, with its stock (CRCL) closing up 35% to $83, fueled by a surge in stablecoin adoption. This strong performance triggered a broader crypto market rally, leading to $463 million in liquidations—mostly short positions—and gains for crypto stocks like Coinbase (+13%) and MicroStrategy (+9%). Circle’s USDC stablecoin now circulates $75 billion, up 72%, indicating that demand for stablecoins is growing independently of major crypto price trends. Circle is well positioned for further growth, especially as companies like Meta plan stablecoin integration. Regulatory changes under the GENIUS Act won’t begin until late 2026, leaving room for continued expansion. While broad crypto markets still show signs of being in a bear phase, multiple indicators suggest a bottom may be near. Tech strength, exemplified by Nvidia’s positive earnings, adds to a favorable outlook for a potential crypto market rebound.
