Current Cryptocurrency News as of 17 December 2025: Bitcoin and Ethereum Dynamics, Digital Asset Market Status, Institutional Investors, and Overview of the Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies Globally
The cryptocurrency market continues to exhibit a downward trend in mid-December amid global uncertainty. Bitcoin (BTC) has dipped to around $85,000, reaching its lowest values in the past two weeks, while Ethereum (ETH) is trading below $3,000 once again. Investors are exercising caution due to macroeconomic risks and declining liquidity as the year comes to a close. Nonetheless, major institutional players remain optimistic: leading firms are increasing their investments in digital assets and expanding their blockchain activities, indicating confidence in the long-term prospects of the cryptocurrency market.
Cryptocurrency Market: December Decline
The entire digital asset market has fallen in line with traditional stock exchanges. The total cryptocurrency market capitalisation currently stands at approximately $3 trillion, which is about 5% lower than the previous day's level. Risk assets are under pressure due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty: investors are concerned about high interest rates and a potential economic slowdown in 2026. An additional factor contributing to this trend is the correction in the technology sector: a sell-off of stocks from several AI companies has undermined risk appetite and negatively impacted digital assets. Moreover, as the year draws to a close, the market is exhibiting reduced liquidity, exacerbating price volatility for crypto assets.
Bitcoin: A Volatile Year and Current Levels
Bitcoin remains a barometer for the entire crypto market. In 2025, the first cryptocurrency experienced extremely volatile dynamics: following a swift rally and a new all-time high (over $125,000 in early October), there was a sharp decline. At present, BTC is trading at approximately $85,000, effectively returning to its early-year levels. As a result, there is a risk of concluding the year with a negative performance for the first time since 2022.
The volatility of Bitcoin can largely be attributed to external factors. The correlation between BTC and stock indices has significantly intensified due to the influx of traditional investors into the market, meaning that stock market upheavals (for example, the correction of overvalued tech stocks) directly impact cryptocurrency. Currently, there are signs of increased caution within the Bitcoin market: margin trading volumes and blockchain activity for BTC have dropped to annual lows.
Nevertheless, long-term holders continue to accumulate Bitcoins, anticipating future asset value growth. Several analysts also maintain optimism— for instance, the investment firm Grayscale suggests that Bitcoin could reach a new price peak as early as the first half of 2026, relying on historical cycles (post the recent 'halving') and the expected easing of macroeconomic conditions.
Ethereum and Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics
The second-largest cryptocurrency by capitalisation, Ethereum, overall follows the market's trend. Currently, Ether (ETH) is trading at around $3,000, having risen to $4,000 during the autumn surge. Over the last few weeks, the value of ETH has decreased by approximately 10%, reflecting the sector's overall correction.
Most large altcoins are also under pressure. For instance, Ripple (XRP) briefly dipped below the psychological level of $2 this week amidst a general sell-off. Binance Coin (BNB), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL) have lost some value in December in line with Bitcoin. However, some projects are standing out: TRON (TRX) has managed to show growth over the year, securing a place among the top ten cryptocurrencies by capitalisation due to sustained user demand.
Institutional Players Strengthen Their Presence
Institutional investors continue to actively explore the cryptocurrency market. BlackRock— the world's largest asset management company— has announced the expansion of its cryptocurrency team, opening recruitment for seven new positions related to digital assets in the US and Asia. The company plans to enhance its product lineup in crypto investments (including the development of exchange-traded funds based on digital assets) and to seek strategic opportunities in Asia, signalling its long-term plans in the blockchain sphere.
Another example is MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, which continues to increase its BTC reserves. In December, the firm acquired nearly $1 billion worth of Bitcoin for the second time, despite the recent price decline, demonstrating confidence in the long-term value of the asset.
It is noteworthy that amidst December's price decline, some institutions are taking short-term profit-taking actions. In the middle of the month, there was a capital outflow from exchange-traded cryptocurrency funds in the US: both Bitcoin- and Ethereum- ETFs witnessed substantial capital outflows following the inflows in autumn. However, the overall trend remains positive— the introduction of the first Bitcoin spot ETFs this year and the growing involvement of financial giants indicate the strengthening position of cryptocurrencies within the traditional financial industry.
Regulators and Banks: A Course Towards Integration
The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is gradually becoming more favourable. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) has notably softened its rhetoric towards crypto assets and stablecoins in its annual report for 2025. The document highlights a shift from focusing on risks to recognising the potential for integrating digital assets into the financial system and supporting the responsible innovative development of the industry. This shift signals that authorities increasingly view cryptocurrencies as an inevitable part of the economy that requires regulatory adaptation rather than outright bans.
Traditional banks are also taking steps toward blockchain technologies. For instance, American bank JPMorgan Chase announced on 15 December the launch of the first tokenised money market fund based on the Ethereum blockchain. The bank invested $100 million of its own funds into this pilot project, demonstrating a willingness to leverage the advantages of tokenisation for traditional financial products. Experts note that such initiatives from major banks reflect the trend of merging traditional finance and cryptocurrency technologies—from issuing digital bonds to creating infrastructure for real-time settlements on the blockchain.
Stablecoins: The Driver of Mass Adoption
Stablecoins—crypto assets linked to fiat currencies—are becoming a crucial bridge between traditional finance and blockchain. Their total capitalisation has already surpassed $250 billion, with tokens such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) widely used for payments and cross-border transactions in the digital economy. Experts predict that stable digital currencies could initiate the next global "supercycle" of industry growth. Over the next five years, the mass adoption of stablecoins could generate more than 100,000 new payment systems worldwide, leading to a significant restructuring of traditional financial infrastructure and accelerating the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency in the world, created in 2009. Bitcoin is perceived as "digital gold" and the main benchmark of the cryptocurrency market, with a market capitalisation of around $1.7 trillion (at a price of approximately $85,000 per coin).
- Ethereum (ETH) – the leading platform for smart contracts and the second-largest digital asset by market capitalisation. Launched in 2015, the Ethereum blockchain serves as the foundation for a plethora of decentralised applications (DeFi, NFTs, etc.). The ETH token has a capitalisation of around $370 billion (with a price of approximately $3,000).
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. It serves as the digital equivalent of the dollar in the crypto market and is widely used by traders for rapid liquidity movements between exchanges. The capitalisation of USDT is approximately $186 billion, with a stable price of ~$1.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange and its blockchain ecosystem. It is used for fee payments on the platform and for the operation of the Binance Smart Chain. BNB is among the most valuable crypto assets, with a capitalisation of around $122 billion (at a price of approximately $888).
- Ripple (XRP) – a cryptocurrency developed by Ripple for fast and inexpensive international payments. XRP is designed for use by banks and payment systems as an alternative to traditional bank transfers. The coin ranks among the top five, with a capitalisation of around $120 billion (at a price of ~$2).
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second-largest stablecoin backed by the US dollar. Issued by the Centre consortium (Circle and Coinbase), it boasts high transparency of reserves and is widely used in trading and the DeFi sector. The capitalisation of USDC is around $78 billion.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-speed blockchain that offers a scalable platform for smart contracts and decentralised applications. Solana attracts DeFi and NFT projects due to its low fees and high throughput. The capitalisation of SOL is estimated at around $74 billion (at a price of approximately $130).
- TRON (TRX) – a blockchain platform focused on entertainment and digital content. TRON provides the infrastructure for creating decentralised applications and issuing stablecoins due to its minimal fees. Its cryptocurrency TRX has a capitalisation of approximately $27 billion (with a price of ~$0.28).
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – a meme-based cryptocurrency that began as a humorous experiment but has since gained widespread notoriety. DOGE is famous for its active community and the support of well-known enthusiasts (such as Elon Musk). The coin is used for tips and micropayments in online communities, remaining in the top ten largest cryptocurrencies with a capitalisation of around $23 billion (at a price of ~$0.14).
- Cardano (ADA) – a blockchain platform with a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, developed on scientific principles. Cardano aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for smart contracts and decentralised applications. The ADA cryptocurrency ranks among the top ten, with a capitalisation of around $14 billion (at a price of approximately $0.40).
