Cryptocurrency News 2nd October 2025 — Bitcoin Above $115,000, Altcoin Growth and Regulatory Trends

Cryptocurrency Overview for 2 October 2025: Bitcoin Surpasses $115,000, Growth in Ethereum and Solana, SEC Regulatory News, Institutional Investments, and Top 10 Popular Cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrency market commenced Thursday with a positive trend: Bitcoin broke above the $115,000 mark, nearing historical highs, while leading altcoins displayed strong growth. Investor optimism is fuelled by expectations of easing US monetary policy and an influx of institutional capital into digital assets. Historically, October is considered a robust month for the cryptocurrency market (the so-called "Uptober"), and many analysts predict the continuation of the bullish trend. In the coming weeks, investors are also monitoring significant economic events – inflation data and the Federal Reserve's meeting, which could set the tone for market movements.

Cryptocurrency Market: Overview and Key Trends

The total market capitalisation is on the rise: the combined trading volume on centralised exchanges reached record levels in September. Bitcoin's share in the overall capitalisation has shrunk to approximately 60%, indicating a redistribution of funds towards altcoins. Leading analysts note that the weakening of the US dollar and expectations of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve make risk assets more attractive. Against this backdrop, new price records for key cryptocurrencies are anticipated in October. Regulatory policies also contribute positively: rules for listing crypto-ETFs in the US have been simplified, allowing for quicker launches of new products and broader access for investors to the digital asset market.

Investors are also paying attention to legislative initiatives within the CIS. For instance, in Kazakhstan, authorities dismantled the largest illegal crypto exchange with a turnover exceeding $224 million in September, while discussions surrounding fines for cryptocurrency transactions are underway in Russia (the proposed law is set to take effect in 2026). These measures tighten regulation, yet interest in digital assets among participants remains high.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin prices continue to set historical peaks. Following a brief correction at the end of September, the coin has returned above $115,000 and is currently consolidating in the $115,000–$120,000 range. Large market players are providing support: the total assets under management in Bitcoin ETFs have surpassed $140 billion, and public companies hold over 1 million BTC in their reserves (approximately $110 billion). This creates a solid fundamental basis for further growth of the asset.

In the current environment, experts do not rule out that, if developments are favourable, Bitcoin could reach $130,000–$150,000 by year-end. Key levels to watch remain at $120,000 and $100,000: overcoming $120,000 may pave the way for a new rally, while breaching the $105,000–$110,000 zone could trigger profit-taking. Nevertheless, most analysts believe that even if there is a retracement below $110,000, a sharp drop towards $100,000 in the short term is unlikely, as investors are likely to accumulate coins during dips, anticipating the continuation of the bullish trend.

Altcoins

Against the backdrop of Bitcoin's rise, the entire alternative cryptocurrency market is experiencing vigorous dynamics. Ethereum has recovered from its September correction and is trading around $4,300–$4,500, bolstered by an influx of institutional capital and the development of DeFi applications. Binance Coin has approached $950 following a recent correction, reflecting the growing popularity of the Binance ecosystem. Solana exhibited significant growth in August (over +50%) due to a surge in developer and user activity, after which the price stabilised at new levels. Cardano traded around $0.9–$1.0 following substantial network upgrades, strengthening investor confidence in the platform.

Among smaller altcoins, notable activity is also observed: many DeFi tokens (e.g., Lido DAO) have demonstrated double-digit growth percentages over the last month. Stablecoins USDT and USDC maintain high popularity and liquidity, providing platforms for trading and capital reserve (the total capitalisation of stablecoins exceeds $250 billion). Additionally, the high volatility of meme-coins is attracting attention: Dogecoin and TRON are holding their positions in the top ten by trading volume, aided by user activity and community support.

Institutional Investments

• Public companies hold over 1 million BTC (approximately $110 billion) and 4.9 million ETH (~$21 billion) in corporate reserves, providing fundamental support to the market.
• The volume of assets in crypto ETFs continues to grow: Bitcoin ETFs control over $140 billion, and in September alone, Ethereum-based funds attracted around $3.9 billion in new capital.
• Analysts note that institutional investors are predominantly taking "long" positions in Bitcoin, anticipating the continuation of the rally, while sentiment regarding Ethereum is more cautious.

Macroeconomic Environment

• Markets have largely priced in expectations for a reduction in the key interest rate by the US Federal Reserve in October and subsequent months. Easing monetary policy could direct part of the trillions of dollars in free liquidity into risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
• Global markets are showing growth: gold is setting historical highs (over $3,900 per ounce), while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices are at new record levels. This positive sentiment enhances risk appetite and supports the dynamics of digital assets.
• Investors are closely monitoring the release of key economic data (inflation and employment), which will soon determine the pace of further Federal Reserve decisions and may induce short-term fluctuations in the crypto market.

Regulation and ETFs

• The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved new standards for listing crypto ETFs, simplifying the process for launching funds. Henceforth, compliance with general criteria is sufficient for ETF approval, allowing for faster market introduction of new products.
• Grayscale was the first to leverage these changes by creating the "Digital Large Cap" (GLDC) – a multi-asset ETF with a portfolio of BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, and ADA. This reflects a trend towards diversification: rather than niche funds, combined products are emerging.
• A "wave" of new crypto ETFs is anticipated in October: experts predict the launch of funds based on Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and other popular tokens. It is estimated that around ten leading altcoins already meet the updated listing requirements for ETFs.

CIS Cryptocurrencies

• Kazakhstan: In September, police dismantled the largest illegal crypto exchange RAKS Exchange with a turnover exceeding $224 million. This is part of the country’s extensive effort to combat shadow financial schemes.
• Russia: The introduction of fines for cryptocurrency transactions by legal entities is being discussed (the bill could come into force in 2026), signalling tighter oversight of digital payments.
• Nevertheless, interest in cryptocurrencies among investors in the region remains high: many market participants are following global trends and are hopeful for the implementation of legal instruments for working with digital assets.

Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

1. Bitcoin (BTC) – The leading cryptocurrency with the largest capitalisation (approximately $2.2 trillion) and the highest market share (over 60%). Considered "digital gold" and a primary target for institutional investments.
2. Ethereum (ETH) – The second-largest cryptocurrency by capitalisation and the largest platform for smart contracts and DeFi. Due to institutional demand, its price recently surpassed $5,000, strengthening ETH's long-term prospects.
3. Tether (USDT) – The largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Widely used for trading and exchanges, its capitalisation exceeds $170 billion.
4. Ripple (XRP) – A cryptocurrency for fast international payments, ranked in the top five by market capitalisation. Recently, XRP was included in a new multi-asset fund, reflecting investor confidence.
5. Binance Coin (BNB) – The native token of the Binance exchange. Utilised for fee payments and participation in token sales; in August, its price reached $1,000, reflecting the growing popularity of the Binance ecosystem.
6. Solana (SOL) – A high-performance blockchain platform. SOL exhibited significant growth in August due to increased user and developer activity, after which its price stabilised at new levels.
7. USD Coin (USDC) – A popular stablecoin from Circle, also pegged to the US dollar. Like USDT, USDC is widely used for trading and capital storage; its capitalisation approaches $75 billion.
8. Dogecoin (DOGE) – A meme coin originally created as a joke, however, due to community support and media attention, it ranks in the top ten by trading volume. Despite its volatility, DOGE remains popular among retail investors.
9. TRON (TRX) – A cryptocurrency from the Tron blockchain, focused on decentralised applications for content and entertainment. It maintains its position in the top ten by capitalisation and is actively developing through new partnerships and projects.
10. Cardano (ADA) – A third-generation blockchain emphasising security and scalability. Following the launch of significant network upgrades, ADA has stabilised around $0.8–$1.0. Cardano attracts investor attention with its long-term developments and protocol enhancements.