Current Cryptocurrency Updates for Thursday, December 11, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates Ahead of the Fed Decision, Ethereum Outpaces the Market, Hopes for a Year-End Rally Persist, Top 10 Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of December 11, 2025, the cryptocurrency market is demonstrating relative stability after recovering from the downturn experienced in November. One of the worst Novembers in recent years has been replaced by cautious growth in early December: Bitcoin has rebounded from local lows and is currently consolidating, while key altcoins are showing moderate gains after recent volatility. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization remains around $3.2 trillion, with Bitcoin's dominance at approximately 60%. The Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index is still in the "fear" zone, reflecting investors' cautious sentiment. Market participants are evaluating whether the current consolidation will evolve into a pre-New Year rally or if volatility will persist.
Bitcoin: Consolidation Ahead of the Fed Decision
In early autumn, Bitcoin (BTC) reached a new all-time high of around $126,000 on October 6, followed by a sharp correction. A massive profit-taking spree and a cascade of margin position liquidations in October and November drove the price down to approximately $85,000 by the end of November (a low for recent months). However, in December, the leading cryptocurrency is showing signs of recovery: the price has returned to levels above $90,000 and has been trading in a range of approximately $90,000 to $95,000 in recent days, consolidating after the rebound. The current BTC value is nearly 10% higher than November's lows. Bitcoin's market capitalization is estimated at around $1.8 trillion, representing about 59-60% of the total cryptocurrency market cap.
Investors are cautiously awaiting the outcome of the Federal Reserve's December meeting, which could significantly impact Bitcoin's dynamics. It is anticipated that the Fed’s decisions regarding interest rates (a signal for a potential reduction for the first time in several years) could act as a catalyst for the cryptocurrency market: easing monetary policy will enhance liquidity and risk appetite, supporting BTC's price. Analysts at the London Crypto Club note that in the near term, liquidity injections through the Fed's easing policy may give a boost to the growth of the leading cryptocurrency.
At the same time, traders are preparing for increased volatility. QCP Capital believes that in the coming weeks, Bitcoin will experience sideways movement within a wide range of about $84,000 to $100,000, reacting to macroeconomic news. Some experts are skeptical about the so-called "Santa Claus rally": Bloomberg strategist Mike McGlone warns that a pre-New Year surge may not materialize, predicting that BTC could trade below $84,000 by the end of the year.
Major financial institutions have revised their short-term forecasts for Bitcoin following the recent downturn. For example, Standard Chartered has reduced its target price for BTC by the end of 2025 from the previous $200,000 to $100,000, taking into account November's correction. Nevertheless, the long-term bullish outlook remains: Standard Chartered still anticipates Bitcoin reaching $500,000, albeit over a longer horizon (by 2030, instead of the previously forecasted 2028). Overall, despite recent fluctuations, Bitcoin retains its status as "digital gold" and continues to attract interest from both retail and institutional investors, who view it as a store of value amid global economic uncertainty.
Ethereum and Major Altcoins
Following Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) also endured a correction in the second half of autumn. Just at the beginning of November, the second-largest cryptocurrency hit a multi-year high (ETH price surpassed $5,000 at the rally's peak), only to decline along with the market afterward. Currently, Ethereum is trading at approximately $3,300, having recovered from November's lows (which fell below $2,800). Over the last week, ETH has risen faster than Bitcoin, showing double-digit increases (over +10%) while BTC has gained about 4%. The market capitalization of ETH is around $400 billion (approximately 13% of the overall market). Ethereum remains the foundational platform for decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT ecosystems, and recent technical upgrades (transition to the Proof-of-Stake algorithm, improvements in network scalability) reinforce investor confidence in the long-term value of this asset.
Other leading altcoins are generally following the overall market trend at the beginning of December, showing moderate recovery after the decline. Many of the top 10 digital assets have returned to levels where they stabilized after market stabilization. For instance, Solana (SOL), after significant growth in 2025, is now holding around $140–150 per coin (with a market capitalization of approximately $70 billion), recovering part of its decline; the Solana ecosystem continues to evolve, attracting investors with DeFi and GameFi projects, as well as expectations regarding the launch of an ETF on SOL. The cryptocurrency Cardano (ADA) recently became one of the leaders among major cryptocurrencies, gaining about 7–8% in a single day and approaching the $0.60 mark. ADA remains in the top ten thanks to its active community and continuous technological improvements to the network — even after volatile fluctuations in the autumn, the Cardano platform retains investor trust and plans for the launch of new financial products based on ADA.
Overall, the altcoin market is gradually stabilizing. XRP, BNB, DOGE, TRX, and other major tokens are holding their positions in the top 10, showing slight price increases after November's downturn. Notably, technical progress in the industry is being made: the Polygon blockchain team successfully activated a significant network upgrade called Madhugiri, which reduced consensus achievement time to one second and increased Polygon's throughput by approximately 30%. This hard fork, which includes several optimizations (limiting excessive gas consumption, improving calculations, and introducing a new type of transaction for interaction with Ethereum), is aimed at increasing the speed and stability of network operations. The Polygon example demonstrates that despite price fluctuations, technological innovations in the cryptocurrency world are ongoing, which in the long run creates a foundation for new growth in the value of promising altcoins.
Institutional Players: Banks Enter the Crypto Market
One of the key trends in 2025 has been the increasing role of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market and the integration of traditional financial institutions. This autumn, the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (Bitcoin ETFs) appeared in the U.S., providing professional investors with a convenient and regulated way to invest in digital assets. In December, the U.S. banking regulator took another step towards the crypto industry: the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) officially permitted U.S. national banks and federal savings associations to act as intermediaries in cryptocurrency transactions. In effect, this means that major banks will be able to directly facilitate client transactions for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, serving as a link between buyers and sellers. This operational mechanism is based on an agency model: the bank simultaneously enters into a transaction with the selling client and a mirrored transaction with the buying client, providing liquidity and ensuring execution, while the bank does not hold cryptocurrency on its balance sheet and does not bear price risks. According to the OCC, this initiative aims to shift some operations from unregulated shadow segments into the transparent realm of traditional finance. However, strict conditions are imposed on banks — from verifying the legality of each transaction to possessing expertise in risk management — but the mere fact of allowing banks into this market can significantly ease access for a broader range of investors to cryptocurrencies through familiar financial institutions.
Interest from large institutions in crypto assets remains high, even amid recent volatility. Many global banks and hedge funds are expanding their lineup of crypto products. For instance, major asset management firms have launched investment trusts and funds linked to digital assets, while in 2025 several cryptocurrency companies went public through direct listings and SPAC transactions. Recently, investment firm Twenty One Capital, which holds over 43,500 BTC, became the third-largest public holder of Bitcoin after its listing on the exchange, underscoring the rising scale of institutional participation.
Meanwhile, institutional analysts largely view the long-term prospects of the industry positively. According to Coinbase Institutional, the November downturn played a cleansing role for the market, "purging" it of excessive speculative leverage and creating a foundation for recovery by the end of the year. Analysts note that after the correction, the use of leverage and risk strategies has significantly decreased: many short-term speculators have been driven out of the market, while long-term investors have taken advantage of lower prices to increase their positions. Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, stated that over the next decade, the digital asset market could grow 10-20 times. He supported this confidence with a forecast from SEC Chair Paul Atkins about the profound integration of blockchain technologies into the traditional financial system. In other words, major players in the finance sector see cryptocurrencies not as a short-term bubble, but as a strategic asset class that will increasingly intertwine with global finance. The emergence of regulated ETFs, the participation of banks, and support from influential financiers signal that institutional adaptation of the crypto market continues, potentially attracting new billions of dollars in the future.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: Global Trends
By the end of 2025, the regulatory landscape of the crypto industry is changing significantly worldwide. In the U.S., a new wave of regulators is softening the approach to digital assets. SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently noted that most token sales (ICOs) should not be automatically classified as securities offerings, and thus fall outside the SEC’s mandate. Such comments signal a more lenient attitude from regulators towards crypto startups: the SEC is prepared to allow blockchain projects to develop without excessive pressure, provided their tokens do not exhibit characteristics of securities. Furthermore, Atkins announced the launch of a temporary regulatory regime in 2026 — a sort of "sandbox" — that will give crypto and fintech companies the opportunity to test innovative products with simplified compliance requirements. The new SEC leadership clearly aims to move away from the stringent punitive line characterizing the Gary Gensler era towards more open and transparent regulation. At the same time, final decisions on the classification of crypto assets will largely depend on the U.S. Congress, where debates continue regarding the passage of comprehensive legislation distributing regulatory powers among supervisory bodies (SEC and CFTC) in the crypto market.
Other U.S. regulators are also taking steps to integrate cryptocurrencies into the financial system. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a pilot program that allows the use of cryptocurrencies as collateral on derivatives markets. At the initial stage, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the stablecoin USDC have been included in the list of permitted collateral assets. This innovation aims to enhance the flexibility of settlements on futures and options exchanges, allowing traders to use digital assets for margin collateral alongside fiat currency.
In Europe, the DAC8 directive will come into force on January 1, 2026, significantly strengthening tax oversight of cryptocurrency transactions. Under the new rules, cryptocurrency exchanges and other service providers are required to provide detailed transaction data and customer account information to tax authorities in EU countries. This measure aims to combat tax evasion and increase transparency — in effect, the European Union is implementing an international standard for exchanging tax information adapted for cryptocurrencies. Concurrently, the EU is gradually implementing the MiCA regulation, which creates unified rules for the issuance of stablecoins, the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges, and custodians. Together, these initiatives are shaping a more defined and predictable regulatory environment for crypto businesses in Europe, which could help attract institutional capital to the market in the future.
In Asian jurisdictions, government attention to the crypto market is also intensifying. The Hong Kong government has announced the start of public consultations on implementing international standards for tax oversight of crypto assets. Effectively, one of the leading Asian financial centers is preparing for cryptocurrency transactions to fall under the ambit of tax reporting rules — a step indicating recognition of the crypto industry as part of the legal economy. Similar measures are being adopted in other countries in the region: in Japan and South Korea, law updates regulating the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges and investor protection have been released over the year, while several Middle Eastern countries have established special economic zones for blockchain companies with unique regulatory conditions. Overall, the global trend is clear: instead of outright bans or ignoring cryptocurrencies, governments are striving to develop clear rules, integrating digital assets into existing financial and legal systems. While increased regulation raises compliance costs, in the long term, it enhances trust in the market and attracts major players who value legal certainty.
Macroeconomics and Impact on the Crypto Market
External macroeconomic factors continue to have a significant impact on cryptocurrency investors' sentiment. In recent weeks, the correlation between the dynamics of cryptocurrency prices and traditional risk assets, primarily tech stocks, has notably increased. This can be attributed to the influx of institutional money into the digital asset market, with cryptocurrencies increasingly being considered alongside other investment assets. Amid high inflation and a prolonged period of elevated interest rates this year, investors have become more cautious regarding investments in high-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Many market participants were expecting that by the end of 2025, the Federal Reserve and other central banks would begin a cycle of interest rate reductions, easing monetary policy. However, signs of a decisive pivot are not yet apparent: the Fed has maintained a tough stance throughout the year in its fight against inflation. Doubts about a rapid decrease in rates from the Fed and the European Central Bank are dampening risk appetite — this uncertainty has also affected cryptocurrencies, restraining their growth in the fall. Nevertheless, any hints of easing policy are immediately reflected in prices: signs of slowing inflation in the U.S. or decisions to ease monetary conditions can spur a rise in the crypto market.
Market players are currently closely monitoring economic news and central bank decisions, as these are swiftly translated into the prices of Bitcoin and altcoins. For instance, stronger-than-expected labor market data in the U.S. this autumn led to a strengthening dollar, resulting in a temporary decrease in BTC's price. Conversely, positive events that reduce global risks tend to support crypto assets: at the beginning of November, investors reacted with relief to the resolution of the budget crisis in the U.S. (Congress managed to avoid a government "shutdown"), and amid a growing risk appetite, Bitcoin and Ethereum received a short-term boost in price. External geopolitical factors also contribute to volatility; for example, strong statements from the U.S. regarding trade tariffs or sanctions against China earlier in October triggered an immediate sell-off in cryptocurrencies, illustrating how sensitive the market is to global shocks.
Overall, uncertainty in the global economy and traditional financial markets is currently generating increased volatility in the crypto market. Traders and investors are increasingly factoring macroeconomic indicators (interest rates, inflation, dollar exchange rate, commodity prices) into their decision-making, which signifies maturation in the industry and its gradual integration into the global financial system. If previously cryptocurrencies operated in isolation, in 2025 their behavior largely reflects overall sentiments in capital markets. The further trajectory of crypto prices will depend, among other factors, on actions from central banks: the first hints of lowering borrowing costs could become the trigger many crypto investors are awaiting for a new rally.
Market Sentiment and Volatility
The rapid rise and subsequent decline in prices in recent months have been accompanied by spikes in short-term volatility in the cryptocurrency market. The cryptocurrency sentiment index (Fear and Greed) dropped to extremely low levels (around 10 points out of 100, indicating "extreme fear") at the end of November due to panic selling. As of mid-December, the indicator has risen somewhat but remains in the "fear" zone (about 30-40 points), reflecting predominant caution. This indicates that despite a significant price correction from peaks, investor confidence has not fully recovered — the market is undergoing a phase of reflection on recent events.
However, signs of stabilizing sentiment are present: panic selling has ceased, and the Fear and Greed Index has moved away from extreme lows, signaling a partial return of trust. A significant factor in the market's recovery has been the reduction of speculative leverage. The November correction "knocked out" excessive leveraged positions from the market: according to Coinbase Institutional, the total open interest in perpetual futures for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana decreased by approximately 16% compared to the October peak. Concurrently, American spot crypto ETFs recorded capital outflows in the scale of several billion dollars over the month, and funding rates for BTC futures dropped below their quarterly average. These factors have contributed to stabilizing the systemic leverage ratio at around ~4-5% of the total market capitalization (down from 10% in the summer of 2025). In simpler terms, there is now significantly less excessive leveraged capital in the market compared to before the crash, reducing the risk of further price collapses and making future growth more sustainable.
Nonetheless, short-term volatility is expected to remain elevated. Ahead of significant events (such as the Fed's decision), traders are pricing in potential sharp movements, which manifests in wide price fluctuations day-to-day. For instance, in the last 24 hours, Bitcoin's price has fluctuated between ~$89,500 and $94,600, while Ethereum has ranged from ~$3,090 to $3,320, indicating persistent nervousness. Many players still prefer to hedge their bets: derivative positions are being actively hedged, and a significant portion of traders are locking in profits on any substantial price increases, which limits momentum development. However, a market cleansed of excessive optimism could gain "a second wind" if new positive drivers emerge. Analysts note that the current consolidation at relatively low levels has created room for upward movement — should the news backdrop improve, investor sentiment may quickly shift to more positive, laying the groundwork for a rally.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
Below is a list of the top ten largest and most significant cryptocurrencies as of the morning of December 11, 2025 (by market capitalization), along with a brief description of their current status:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the first and largest cryptocurrency, often referred to as "digital gold." BTC is currently trading around $95,000 per coin after a recent correction (with a market cap of around $1.8–1.9 trillion, representing approximately 60% of the entire market). A capped issuance of 21 million coins, increasing recognition of Bitcoin by major financial firms, and its perception as a safe-haven asset help maintain BTC's dominant position in the market.
- Ethereum (ETH) — the second largest digital asset by market capitalization and the leading platform for smart contracts. ETH is priced at around $3,300. It serves as the foundation for DeFi, NFT, and numerous decentralized applications; its market capitalization is approximately $400 billion (≈13% of the market). Constant technical updates (network transition to Proof-of-Stake, improvements in scalability and efficiency through upgrades like Shanghai/Danksharding) and extensive application in the blockchain industry ensure Ethereum's solid standing.
- Tether (USDT) — the largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT is actively used by traders for transactions and storing funds, providing high liquidity in the crypto markets. Tether's market capitalization is around $160 billion; the coin consistently holds a price of $1.00, acting as a sort of "digital dollar" and an intermediary currency for trading crypto assets.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the native asset of the BNB Chain blockchain. BNB is used for paying trading fees on the exchange, participating in token sales on Launchpad, and executing smart contracts within the Binance ecosystem. Currently, BNB is trading around $600+ (with a market capitalization of ~ $100 billion). Despite regulatory pressures on Binance in various countries, the BNB token remains in the top 5 due to its wide range of applications and value-support mechanisms (such as regular coin burns).
- XRP (Ripple) — the token of the Ripple payment network, focused on fast cross-border settlements between banks. XRP is trading at around $2.1 per coin (market cap ~ $110 billion). In 2025, XRP has gained significantly thanks to Ripple's legal victory over the SEC and the launch of the first spot XRP ETF, returning the token to leaderboard status. XRP is sought after in banking blockchain solutions for international transfers and remains one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies worldwide.
- Solana (SOL) — a high-performance blockchain platform offering fast and low-cost transactions; a competitor to Ethereum in the smart contracts space. SOL is currently trading around $140 (market cap approximately $70 billion) after substantial growth demonstrated in 2025. The Solana ecosystem attracts investors with developments in DeFi and GameFi projects, as well as expectations surrounding the launch of ETFs on SOL. The rapid operation of the network and support from major projects have helped Solana secure its position in the top tier of cryptocurrency assets.
- Cardano (ADA) — a blockchain platform emphasizing a scientific approach to network development (with research and testing based on academic studies). ADA is currently priced around $0.60 (market value ~ $20 billion) after experiencing volatile fluctuations in the fall. Despite the retreat from peak values, Cardano remains in the top 10 due to its strong community, continuous network updates (improving scalability, introducing new features), and plans for launching investment products based on ADA, which maintains interest from long-term investors.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — the most well-known meme cryptocurrency, created as a joke, yet has garnered immense popularity over time. DOGE is currently around $0.15 (market cap ~$20–30 billion) and continues to rank among the largest coins thanks to its community loyalty and periodic attention from notable individuals. Historically, Dogecoin's volatility has been very high; however, this coin has been demonstrating remarkable resilience to investor interest across several cycles, remaining "the people's coin."
- TRON (TRX) — a blockchain platform for smart contracts, originally focused on entertainment and content. TRX is currently priced around $0.28 (market cap ~ $25–30 billion). The TRON network features low fees and high throughput, making it popular for issuing and moving stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on TRON). The platform is actively evolving and supports decentralized applications (DeFi, gaming), enabling TRX to maintain its position in the top 10 cryptocurrencies.
- USD Coin (USDC) — the second-largest stablecoin issued by Circle and fully backed by reserves in U.S. dollars. USDC consistently trades at a value of $1.00, and its market capitalization is approximately $50 billion. The coin is widely utilized by institutional investors and in the DeFi sector for transactions and storing value, thanks to high transparency of reserves and regular audits. USDC competes with Tether, offering a more regulated and open stablecoin model, which makes it attractive to conservative market participants.
Outlook and Expectations
The main question on investors' minds in December 2025 is whether the recent correction will serve as a springboard for a new crypto rally or if the market will continue to be volatile. Historically, the end of the year has often accompanied heightened activity and price increases in cryptocurrencies; however, there are no guarantees that this scenario will repeat. Optimists note that the primary negative factors from the recent downturn have already been priced in: the weakest players capitulated in November, the market has "cleaned" itself from excessive optimism, and there are potential positive triggers ahead (such as the approval of new crypto ETFs or awaited signals of monetary easing from central banks). Moreover, several analysts from major banks remain bullish: forecasts suggest that under favorable macroeconomic conditions, Bitcoin could reach six-figure prices ($150,000–$170,000 and higher) over the next year.
On the other hand, sustained high borrowing costs in the global economy and any new shocks (geopolitical escalation, tighter regulation, major bankruptcies in the industry) could prolong the period of instability in the crypto market. Many experts concur that a return to a confident bullish trend will require several conditions to be met simultaneously: a decrease in inflation and interest rates, an influx of fresh capital (including institutional capital), and a restoration of trust in the industry after the trials of the past year.
For now, the market is exhibiting cautious optimism: key cryptocurrencies are holding essential support levels, negative news is dwindling, and investors are gradually returning after November's shock. It's likely that in the coming weeks, the cryptocurrency market will continue to balance between hopes for renewed growth and concerns over persistent risks. However, most observers are looking towards 2026 with cautious optimism, anticipating a new wave of industry development and a gradual restoration of the upward trend as external conditions improve.
