Cryptocurrency News for Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Bitcoin trades around $90,000, Ethereum strengthens above $3,000, and altcoins show growth. Market overview and top 10 cryptocurrencies for investors.
At the beginning of the last week of December, global cryptocurrencies are demonstrating mixed volatility. Bitcoin attempted to surpass the $90,000 mark, while Ethereum temporarily exceeded $3,000. However, a full-fledged holiday rally did not occur: quotes quickly pulled back as markets await clarity on regulatory initiatives and external risks. Investors are acting cautiously amidst macroeconomic fluctuations, but institutional demand remains a positive factor.
Bitcoin Fluctuates Near Record Levels
On Monday, December 29, BTC exhibited unusual activity for the holiday period. During Asian trading hours, the price of Bitcoin surged approximately 3%, exceeding $90,200, but by Tuesday morning, it retreated below $88,000 due to profit-taking. Thus, "cryptocurrency gold" did not support the traditional Christmas rally: even with a general recovery in stock markets, Bitcoin corrected. Bitcoin's volatility remains high as investors await new signals from global regulators.
Ethereum and Altcoins Show Growth
The second most capitalized cryptocurrency, Ethereum, outperformed other major coins. The price of ETH increased by more than 4%, surpassing the $3,000 mark. This success is partly due to positive expectations — developers have approved plans for major network upgrades (the "Glamsterdam" and "Hegota" hard forks) aimed at enhancing its throughput and security (including through the implementation of Verkle trees).
Additionally, there is a growing interest in altcoins within the cryptocurrency market. For instance, Solana and Binance Coin each added over 3% in the last 24 hours, while Bitcoin's market share has fallen below 60%. These data indicate an increasing demand for alternative projects: due to high speed and low fees, Solana and BNB have become attractive instruments in DeFi and payments. Other projects, such as Cardano and Chainlink, remain popular as their technologies continue to be in demand.
Institutional Investors Increasing Positions
Major institutional players are continuing to build up their crypto asset holdings. Analysts estimate that corporate "digital asset treasuries" have increased their Bitcoin reserves to about 5% of the total coin supply (over $95 billion), while ETH volumes on the balance sheets of such funds are approaching 5% of supply (around $18 billion). Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Ethereum are also attracting significant amounts: assets under management for these funds total around $113 billion in Bitcoin and nearly $18 billion in Ethereum.
At the same time, some long-term holders are reducing their positions. According to reports, in 2025, "old" holders (who held BTC for over five years) sold coins worth tens of billions of dollars, especially after the record high in October. These sales put pressure on the market; however, institutional purchases partially offset the effect. As a result, large investors continue to buy "on the dips," while the market awaits new growth drivers.
Regulation and Global Landscape
Worldwide, regulators are clarifying rules for digital assets. In the U.S., the administration continues its support for the industry: in 2025, the GENIUS Act on stablecoins was passed, and discussions are ongoing about forming a government reserve of cryptocurrencies from confiscated assets. The European Union is set to implement the DAC8 directive starting January 1, 2026, which obliges exchanges and providers to supply tax authorities with detailed information about client transactions and allows for account freezing in cases of tax evasion. Additionally, in Russia, the Central Bank has completed preparations for cryptocurrency regulation concepts, expanding access for qualified and retail investors.
Top 10 Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — The first and largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Often referred to as "digital gold" for its role as a safe-haven asset and limited supply. Amidst overall volatility, Bitcoin retains its status as a core asset for investors and continues to attract significant institutional investments.
- Ethereum (ETH) — The second-largest cryptocurrency and leading platform for smart contracts. Ethereum supports a vast ecosystem of DeFi and NFT applications. Updates aimed at enhancing throughput and reducing fees are planned for 2026, which strengthens the long-term investment appeal of ETH.
- Tether (USDT) — The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. Tether ensures high liquidity in the market and serves as the main "transshipment" asset for traders between various cryptocurrencies. With a stable price and recognition on leading exchanges, USDT remains popular.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — The internal token of the Binance exchange ecosystem. BNB is used to pay fees on the platform, participate in token sales, and operates within the Binance Smart Chain. The expansion of Binance services and the popularity of projects on this platform make BNB a sought-after tool.
- XRP (Ripple) — The cryptocurrency of the Ripple payment network. XRP is focused on rapid international transfers and is supported by a number of financial institutions for optimizing settlements. Despite regulatory challenges, XRP maintains demand as a means of interbank transactions.
- USD Coin (USDC) — The second-largest stablecoin issued by Circle. USDC remains stable due to its continuous support in dollars and audit transparency. This token is widely used in trading and DeFi applications for liquidity storage alongside Tether.
- Solana (SOL) — A high-performance blockchain for decentralized applications. Solana stands out for its high transaction speed and low fees, making it attractive for DeFi and NFT projects. SOL is among the top performers among altcoins.
- TRON (TRX) — A blockchain platform initially focused on entertainment content and decentralized applications. TRX is the main token of the Tron network, used for service payments and staking. The platform attracts users with its high throughput and partnerships with media projects.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — A meme coin created for humorous purposes. Dogecoin has no emission cap and is supported by an active community. Thanks to its popularity among the general public and backing from opinion leaders, DOGE remains one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies.
- Cardano (ADA) — A blockchain built on a scientifically grounded approach (Ouroboros consensus). Cardano provides smart contract functionality with a focus on security and scalability. ADA enjoys a stable community and continues to develop, reinforcing its position as a significant project in the crypto ecosystem.
Trends for 2026
Analysts expect the continuation of established trends in the coming year. Venture funds are highlighting key directions: the integration of artificial intelligence into crypto services, the growth of the stablecoin market, and the development of new lending models on the blockchain. These factors indicate a shift towards a more institutionalized market. The primary risks remain macroeconomic instability and the pace of regulatory reforms, while the main drivers include technological innovations and support from major investors. As a result, by 2026, the crypto market is preparing to become more mature and diversified.
