Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, 4th December 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates, Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade, Altcoin Dynamics and Top 10 Cryptocurrency Overview.
As of the morning of 4th December 2025, the cryptocurrency market has stabilised following a volatile start to the week. Bitcoin is holding steady around $90,000 after a correction, while Ethereum has successfully completed its Fusaka upgrade, enhancing investor optimism. Most of the major altcoins have recovered some of their recent losses, yet overall market participants remain cautious, despite hopes for a year-end rally.
Bitcoin Consolidates After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading around $90,000, nearly 30% lower than its peak in October (~$126,000), primarily due to profit-taking amid macroeconomic uncertainty. On 1st December, the price dipped below $86,000 but subsequently rebounded to approximately $90,000. The market capitalisation of BTC is estimated at around $1.8 trillion (≈59% of the market). Sentiment remains cautious, with the Fear/Greed Index positioned in the 'fear' territory (~30/100).
Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade
Ethereum (ETH) has successfully executed its Fusaka upgrade, aimed at improving the network's scalability (accelerating Layer 2 transactions) and reducing fees. The ETH price is holding around $3,100, having rebounded from a recent decline (down approximately 20% from the October peak). Investors are optimistic that technological enhancements and an increase in the staking share of coins will bolster Ethereum's market position. Despite a recent outflow of funds from Ethereum-focused funds, the network's fundamentals (demand for DeFi and NFT services) remain strong. Under favourable conditions, Ethereum could reach new annual highs.
Altcoins: Mixed Market Dynamics
The altcoin market currently displays mixed dynamics. Following a general downturn at the end of November, most major altcoins are slowly recovering alongside Bitcoin. High-performance platforms like Solana have managed to retain a significant portion of their previously attained positions due to ecosystem developments and attractive staking opportunities. For instance, Solana (SOL) is trading around $150 per coin; its growth in 2025 has been bolstered by the launch of ETFs for this token and a high yield on delegation (approximately 7% annually), attracting long-term investors. Some altcoins have corrected after a rapid price increase over the summer. XRP, after surging above $3 (following Ripple's victory over the SEC), has retraced to approximately $2.4. Nonetheless, the legal clarity regarding the token's status sustains interest in XRP, allowing it to remain among the largest crypto assets. Dogecoin (DOGE) is holding around $0.15—supported by a dedicated community and media attention, albeit with sustained high volatility.
Institutional Investors and ETF Trends
Following record inflows during the summer, a significant outflow of capital from crypto funds occurred in the autumn. By the beginning of December, there has been a notable return of some funds: moderate inflows were observed in major Bitcoin ETFs, signifying a cautious return of large players. The SEC is considering the launch of ETFs for a number of popular altcoins (Solana has already launched, with funds for Dogecoin, XRP, and others on the horizon). Some institutional investors, having weathered the turbulence of November, are gradually returning to the market, planning to rebalance their portfolios by year-end.
Forecasts and Expectations
Experts are moderately optimistic regarding 2026: following a phase of consolidation, under favourable macroeconomic conditions, a new market upturn could emerge. However, risks relating to volatility and unforeseen shocks still persist, hence investors are advised to adhere to a long-term strategy and diversification.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$90,000. The largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) with a limited supply; in demand among institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,100. The second-largest coin by market capitalisation (~13% of the market), serving as the foundational platform for smart contracts (DeFi, NFT); transitioned to Proof-of-Stake.
- Tether (USDT) — ~$1.00. The leading stablecoin (≈$185 billion capitalisation), pegged to the US dollar and widely used in crypto trading.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$900. The token of the largest exchange ecosystem Binance (capitalisation ≈$140 billion); used for fee payments and platform services.
- USD Coin (USDC) — ~$1.00. The second-largest stablecoin (≈$75 billion), fully backed by reserves; distinguished by high market trust.
- XRP (Ripple) — ~$2.4. A token for cross-border payments (≈$130 billion); after Ripple's legal victory in the US, investor trust has been regained, re-establishing it among the leaders.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$150. A high-speed blockchain (~$60 billion), demonstrating growth due to the development of the DeFi/NFT ecosystem and the launch of investment funds (ETFs).
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.55. A blockchain platform with a scientific approach (~$20 billion); retains its top 10 position due to an active community and constant network updates.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.15. The most well-known meme cryptocurrency (~$20 billion); supported by the community and media attention, but characterised by high volatility.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.30. A cryptocurrency of the Tron platform (~$25 billion), used for digital content and the issuance of stablecoins; attracts users due to low fees and high network speed.
