Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, December 4, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidating, Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade, Altcoin Dynamics, and Top 10 Cryptocurrency Overview
As of the morning of December 4, 2025, the cryptocurrency market has stabilized following a volatile start to the week. Bitcoin is holding steady at around $90,000 after a correction, while Ethereum has successfully completed its Fusaka upgrade, which has bolstered investor optimism. Most major altcoins have rebounded from recent declines; however, market participants remain cautious despite hopes for a rally by the end of the year.
Bitcoin Consolidating After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $90,000, nearly 30% lower than its October peak (~$126,000), mainly due to profit-taking amidst macroeconomic uncertainty. On December 1, the price dipped below $86,000 but subsequently rebounded to approximately $90,000. The market capitalization of BTC is estimated at around $1.8 trillion (≈59% of the market). Sentiments remain wary; the Fear and Greed Index is positioned in the "fear" zone (~30/100).
Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade
Ethereum (ETH) has successfully implemented the Fusaka upgrade aimed at enhancing network scalability (accelerating Layer 2 transactions) and reducing fees. The ETH price is holding steady at around $3,100, recovering from a recent dip (about −20% from its October high). Investors are optimistic that technological improvements and an increase in staked coins will strengthen Ethereum’s market position. Despite recent fund outflows from Ethereum funds, the fundamental indicators for the network (demand for DeFi and NFT services) remain strong. Under favorable conditions, Ethereum has the potential to reach new yearly highs.
Altcoins: Mixed Market Dynamics
The altcoin market is experiencing mixed dynamics. Following an overall decline 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 achieved positions due to ecosystem development and attractive staking. For example, Solana (SOL) is trading at around $150 per coin; its growth in 2025 is supported by the launch of ETFs for this token and a high delegation yield (around 7% annually), which attracts long-term investors. Some altcoins have corrected after a rapid summer rise. XRP, after surging above $3 (following Ripple's victory over the SEC), has now retreated to around $2.4. However, legal clarity regarding the token's status maintains interest in XRP, keeping it among the top crypto assets. Dogecoin (DOGE) is holding around $0.15, supported by its devoted community and media attention, although volatility remains high.
Institutional Investors and ETF Trends
After record inflows in the summer, the fall saw a significant outflow of capital from crypto funds. By early December, a portion of this capital has begun to return: moderate inflows into major Bitcoin ETFs indicate a cautious return of large players. The SEC is considering launching ETFs for several 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 re-entering the market with plans to rebalance their portfolios by year-end.
Forecasts and Expectations
Experts are moderately optimistic about 2026: following a consolidation phase, a new market upturn is possible under favorable macro conditions. At the same time, risks of volatility and unexpected shocks remain, so investors are advised to adhere to a long-term strategy and diversify their portfolios.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$90,000. The largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) with limited supply; in demand among institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,100. The second-largest market cap coin (~13% of the market), foundational platform for smart contracts (DeFi, NFT); transitioned to Proof-of-Stake.
- Tether (USDT) — ~$1.00. Leading stablecoin (≈$185 billion market cap), pegged to the US dollar and widely used in crypto trading.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$900. Token of the largest exchange ecosystem, Binance (market cap ≈$140 billion); used for paying fees and platform services.
- USD Coin (USDC) — ~$1.00. Second-largest stablecoin (≈$75 billion), fully backed by reserves; noted for high trust among market participants.
- XRP (Ripple) — ~$2.4. Token for cross-border payments (≈$130 billion); regained investor trust and its place among leaders following Ripple's legal victory in the US.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$150. High-speed blockchain (~$60 billion), demonstrating growth thanks to DeFi/NFT ecosystem development and ETF launches.
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.55. Blockchain platform with a scientific approach (~$20 billion); remains in the top 10 due to an active community and ongoing network updates.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.15. The most well-known meme cryptocurrency (~$20 billion); supported by community and media attention, but known for high volatility.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.30. Cryptocurrency of the Tron platform (~$25 billion), used for digital content and the issuance of stablecoins; attracts users with low fees and high speed.
