Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, November 20, 2025. Bitcoin Holds Above $90,000, Ethereum and Top-10 Altcoins Display Divergent Dynamics. Analysis of Key Trends and Investor Expectations.
As of the morning of November 20, 2025, the global cryptocurrency market is striving to find equilibrium after recent volatility and correction. Bitcoin, which had previously dropped to a seven-month low below $90,000, is currently hovering around ~$90–92,000, signaling attempts at stabilization. The total market capitalization stands at approximately $3 trillion, with investor sentiment remaining cautious. Attention is shifting towards external factors, as key macroeconomic data releases and potential regulatory decisions loom that could impact the future direction of the market.
Bitcoin: Seeking Support After Correction
The flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced a rapid rise followed by an equally sharp decline this autumn. In early October, BTC reached an all-time high of (~$126,000), after which a correction began amidst profit-taking and the liquidation of heavily leveraged positions. By mid-November, the price had fallen to ~$90,000 (a low since April), erasing annual gains. In recent days, the decline has stopped: Bitcoin is consolidating in the $90–95,000 range, attempting to hold above $90,000. Some analysts categorize the current decline as a healthy correction and a precondition for a new rally, while others warn of the risk of further declines under unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. If BTC can maintain this important level, it could pave the way for a resumption of the upward trend by the end of the year.
Ethereum and Altcoins: Heterogeneous Dynamics
The second-largest crypto asset, Ethereum (ETH), has also felt market pressure. Following a summer rise to ~$3,900, ETH has retreated below $3,100 this autumn, but has since partially recovered and is now holding around ~$3,000. Interest in Ethereum remains supported by the development of the decentralized applications (DeFi, NFT) ecosystem and anticipation of an upcoming network upgrade that could enhance performance and reduce fees. Beyond ETH, the dynamics of other top altcoins remain mixed. XRP surged above $3 this autumn following news of Ripple's victory against the SEC and the launch of an ETF, but subsequently retraced to ~$2.2, maintaining its position among the leaders due to institutional interest. The Solana (SOL) platform attracted significant investments, elevating the price of SOL to ~$150 before a correction; Solana remains in the top-10 thanks to its high network speed and growing number of projects. Other coins within the top ten have also retraced from recent highs. Selected niche tokens exhibited brief price spikes followed by sharp pullbacks, underscoring the importance of cautious risk management.
Institutional Interest and Traditional Capital
Major financial players are sending mixed signals. Following a summer influx of capital, some investors began taking profits this autumn, leading to outflows from several crypto funds. Nevertheless, institutional interest persists: new products are emerging – recently in the U.S., the first spot ETF on XRP was launched, with more funds on Ethereum expected. The traditional financial sector increasingly interacts with the crypto industry. Several banks are launching crypto services, while crypto companies receive large investments from Wall Street. For instance, SoFi Bank has opened up cryptocurrency trading to its customers, and the Kraken exchange raised ~$800 million in funding, elevating its valuation to $20 billion. Such moves strengthen the connection between traditional finance and the crypto market, increasing trust in digital assets.
Regulatory Environment: Aiming for Order
Regulatory authorities around the world continue to shape the rules governing cryptocurrency operations, making the industry more transparent and comprehensible for investors. Here are some trends:
- U.S.A: Regulators are easing their approach to the crypto industry. A bill on digital assets is advancing in Congress, and the SEC has removed cryptocurrencies from its focus in its 2026 priorities, which may indicate a relaxation of pressure. Additionally, the discussion is underway to allow cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans, signaling a gradual integration of crypto assets into the traditional financial system.
- Europe: The EU is implementing the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, establishing uniform rules for crypto firms across Union countries. Dozens of companies have already received licenses under new requirements, enhancing the transparency of exchange operations and investor protection. Stablecoins, exchanges, and DeFi platforms are now operating in a more defined legal framework.
- Asia: Hong Kong has legalized retail trading of major cryptocurrencies through licensed exchanges, striving to become a crypto hub. Singapore and the UAE continue to implement friendly regimes for blockchain businesses, attracting projects and capital. Meanwhile, mainland China maintains its ban on crypto trading, banking on its own digital yuan.
Macroeconomic Factors and Market Influence
The macroeconomic backdrop remains a key factor for cryptocurrencies. Recent statements from the Federal Reserve's leadership have taken a "hawkish" tone: inflation is not decreasing quickly enough, and high interest rates will persist longer than anticipated. This cools risk appetite and exerts downward pressure on Bitcoin and altcoins. Investors are cautiously awaiting new U.S. economic data (including the employment report on November 20) in search of hints regarding the Fed's future actions. Overall, the correlation between the crypto market and stock markets has strengthened: any macroeconomic shocks or, conversely, policy easing are immediately reflected in digital asset prices. Any signals of policy easing or improvements in geopolitics could restore demand for cryptocurrencies, while further tightening of conditions will maintain a cautious stance.
Top-10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of November 20, 2025, the ten largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization are as follows:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) priced around $90,000; the primary market benchmark and "digital gold" for investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — the second largest by market capitalization (~12% of the market), around $3,000. The base platform for DeFi and NFT, regularly updated to enhance efficiency.
- Tether (USDT) — the leading stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar 1:1. Widely used on exchanges for trading, providing market liquidity.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — the token of the largest exchange, Binance (BNB Chain network). Used for fees and DeFi services within the Binance ecosystem, remaining in the top-5 due to wide applicability.
- XRP — a token for instant cross-border payments. Strengthened after Ripple's victory over the SEC and the ETF launch; price remains above $2.
- Solana (SOL) — a high-speed blockchain with low fees. Attracted large investments, raising SOL to ~$140; stays in the top-10 due to its growing ecosystem.
- Cardano (ADA) — a smart contract platform with a scientific approach to development. An active community keeps ADA in the top-10, although the price has fallen below $1 after the correction.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — the most well-known meme cryptocurrency. Supported by the community, DOGE remains among market leaders, although it exhibits high volatility.
- Tron (TRX) — a platform with low fees, popular for hosting stablecoins and dApps. Demand in Asia helps TRX maintain its place in the top ten.
- USD Coin (USDC) — the second largest stablecoin from Circle, fully backed by the dollar. Widely used by institutions and DeFi as a reliable digital dollar.
Outlook and Expectations
As we approach the end of 2025, the cryptocurrency market balances between caution and hope for a renewal of growth. Analysts believe that several conditions are necessary for a new rally: a more lenient macroeconomic backdrop (slowing inflation and signals for interest rate reductions), continued inflows of institutional investments, and strengthened trust through clear regulation. If these factors materialize, the end of the year and the beginning of 2026 may witness a resurgence in trading and new highs. Otherwise, the market is likely to remain volatile and move within a sideways range.
Currently, investor sentiment remains cautiously waiting, yet no panic sell-offs are observed. The presence of interest from major players and the absence of widespread panic suggest that the current correction is likely temporary. Cryptocurrencies have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to recover swiftly after downturns. Market participants are closely monitoring external triggers: strong economic reports, regulatory easing, or technological breakthroughs could restore bullish momentum. Thus, the end of November unfolds in an atmosphere of cautious optimism: the market is awaiting signals from outside that will determine its direction in the coming months.
