Cryptocurrency News as of December 31, 2025: Bitcoin and Altcoin Dynamics, Year-End Summary, Key Trends, and Top 10 Cryptocurrencies. An Analytical Overview of the Global Market for Investors.
The cryptocurrency market concludes the year against a backdrop of mixed trends. Bitcoin, which reached $126,000 in October 2025, is now stabilising around $90,000, while leading altcoins show moderate growth. The total market capitalisation stands at approximately $3 trillion. Institutional investors continue to accumulate cryptocurrency, as major companies collectively hold over $95 billion in Bitcoin, despite recent sell-offs.
2025 Year-End Summary and Market State
The year 2025 has been a period marked by record highs followed by corrections. Since the beginning of the year, Bitcoin has more than doubled in value, yet it has fallen by about a quarter in the fourth quarter. From early October, the price of BTC dropped by roughly 23%, declining from $126,000 to the current approximate value of $90,000. Nevertheless, 'digital gold' still retains around 60% of the total market capitalisation (over $2.4 trillion). Ethereum and other major altcoins have also experienced corrections, but they are showing signs of recovery by the end of December: ETH is trading at around $3,000, with many tokens in the top-10 rising by 1-3%. Overall capitalisation remains at record levels despite investor caution.
Bitcoin and Ether spot-focused Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) experienced significant outflows. In December, approximately $1 billion was withdrawn from Bitcoin ETFs in the USA, while Ether ETFs saw outflows of around $0.6 billion. As a result of the quarter, Bitcoin holders faced losses as BTC showed the worst performance in 2.5 years since early October. The price recovery at year-end only partially offset the autumn decline.
Bitcoin: Dynamics, Cycles, and Forecasts
Current Bitcoin Dynamics
Bitcoin is currently trading within a corridor of $88,000 to $90,000, attempting to break the $90,000 mark. On December 30, BTC reached a weekly high of over $90,300, gaining over $3,000 in just one day. Technical indicators suggest overselling, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) near 33, which may indicate a short-term rebound provided support remains within the $89,000 to $90,000 range. Resistance is identified between $100,000 and $106,000.
Cycles and Prospects
Following the classic four-year model, the next phase is expected after the April 2024 halving. Estimates suggest that the historical low for the current cycle may occur in the second half of 2026. Predictions for 2026 vary: optimists anticipate Bitcoin prices in the range of $150,000 to $250,000, while pessimists foresee a decline below $70,000. Analysts believe that Bitcoin requires new investment flows—particularly through ETFs—progress in cryptocurrency market regulation (especially in the USA), and favourable macroeconomic conditions to resume long-term growth.
Ethereum and Altcoins
Ethereum and leading altcoins remain in the spotlight. Ethereum is trading at around $3,000, stabilised after a sharp autumn correction. The ETH platform continues to serve as a foundational layer for DeFi and NFTs, with developments in asset tokenisation supporting demand. A significant upgrade, "Hegota," aimed at enhancing network scalability, is anticipated by the end of 2026.
Key Altcoins
Bitcoin's market share is gradually decreasing, which may herald a new 'alt season.' Leading altcoins have shown moderate growth; Solana, Cardano, BNB, XRP, and other top-10 coins have gained 1-3% in December. Stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) consistently rank third and sixth in capitalisation, providing market liquidity with billions of dollars transacted daily.
Institutional Strategies on Altcoins
Institutional investors are exploring new instruments for dealing with altcoins. Major funds increasingly utilise options and other derivatives on leading tokens, akin to methods employed for Bitcoin. According to CoinDesk (STS Digital), this allows for effective risk and return management in portfolios. Such strategies indicate a growing interest among large players in alternative crypto assets.
Institutional Investments
Institutional funds and corporations are having a greater influence on the market. In 2025, the total volume of corporate Bitcoin reserves exceeded $95 billion, setting a record. However, months of volatility led to significant outflows from ETFs: approximately $1 billion was withdrawn from Bitcoin ETFs in December, with Ether ETFs seeing about $0.6 billion withdrawn. Nonetheless, many analysts emphasise that long-term investors continue to accumulate cryptocurrency, viewing it as a strategic asset class.
Regulation and Traditional Finance
Global Regulatory Trends
In 2025, the legislative framework for digital currencies strengthened in many countries. The EU adopted the MiCA regulation finalised the rules governing the issuance of crypto assets and stablecoins. In the USA, a law regulating stablecoins ('GENIUS Act') was passed, establishing requirements for issuers of digital dollars. Asian countries are developing their own solutions: Hong Kong has been enforcing a stablecoin law since August 2025, while Japan and Singapore are creating national digital currencies (e.g., the digital yen) and multi-currency stablecoins.
Traditional Finance and Cryptocurrencies
The banking sector is gradually integrating into the crypto industry. In 2025, American regulators granted banks more freedom: financial institutions were permitted to issue stablecoins, hold digital assets, and participate in crypto transactions. Specifically, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued guidance confirming national banks' rights to act as intermediaries ('risk-free counterparties') in cryptocurrency transactions. International oversight bodies are also easing regulations; for instance, the Basel Committee plans to relax capital requirements for banks engaged in cryptocurrency operations.
Prospects for 2026
Analysts note that 2025 marked a pivotal turning point: the crypto market has solidified its institutional foundation and is poised for a new growth cycle. Key trends for 2026 are emerging. First, the continued expansion of market infrastructure: increasing volumes of spot and derivatives products, along with the development of DeFi, NFTs, and staking. Second, acceleration in the tokenisation of real assets (funds, commodities) and integration of digital currencies into traditional payment systems. Third, advancements in technology (artificial intelligence, blockchain) are expected to integrate into the financial sector, with a growing focus on sustainability and ESG projects.
Top 10 Largest Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the largest and most liquid cryptocurrency, often referred to as 'digital gold.' Used as a means of accumulation and capital preservation. Bitcoin reached historic highs in 2025 due to institutional demand.
- Ethereum (ETH) — the second largest cryptocurrency by capitalisation, serving as a platform for smart contracts and decentralised applications (DeFi, NFTs). Forms the basis for the issuance of numerous tokens. The network's transition to Proof-of-Stake and ongoing upgrades enhance Ethereum's scalability.
- Tether (USDT) — the largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Provides stability in cryptocurrency prices and serves as a medium of exchange between fiat and digital assets. Daily volumes of USDT reach billions of dollars.
- BNB (Binance Coin) — the token of the largest exchange, Binance. Offers discounts on trading fees and is utilised within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem. It is supported by a broad infrastructure of centralised and decentralised applications.
- XRP (Ripple) — token of the Ripple platform for fast cross-border payments. Despite regulatory uncertainty, XRP maintains high liquidity and is still used by banks for international transfers.
- USD Coin (USDC) — a major regulated stablecoin backed by Circle and Coinbase. Fully collateralised by US dollar reserves and regularly audited, making USDC a reliable means for value preservation and transactions.
- Solana (SOL) — a high-performance blockchain platform with very low fees. Attracts developers and users due to its high transaction speeds. SOL became one of the leaders in project engagement growth in 2025.
- TRON (TRX) — a blockchain focused on entertainment and social applications. Provides high throughput and low fees, with the TRON ecosystem actively growing and attracting decentralised services.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — one of the most well-known meme cryptocurrencies. Originated as a joke but gained significant traction due to its simplicity and support from high-profile figures. Despite its speculative nature, DOGE remains among the top ten by capitalisation.
- Cardano (ADA) — a blockchain developed with a scientifically informed approach. Utilises delegated Proof-of-Stake and focuses on ecological sustainability and network security. Cardano is strengthening its position through the growth of its partner ecosystem and the implementation of new features.
