Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, December 4, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates, 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 around $90,000 after a correction, while Ethereum has completed its Fusaka upgrade, boosting investor optimism. Most major altcoins have recovered some of their recent declines; however, market participants remain cautious, despite hopes for a year-end rally.
Bitcoin Consolidates After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $90,000, nearly 30% below its October peak (~$126,000), primarily due to profit-taking amid macroeconomic uncertainty. On December 1, the price dipped below $86,000 but subsequently rebounded to around $90,000. The market capitalization of BTC is approximately $1.8 trillion (≈59% of the market). Sentiment remains cautious: the Fear & Greed Index is in the “fear” zone (~30/100).
Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade
Ethereum (ETH) has successfully undergone the Fusaka upgrade, aimed at enhancing network scalability (speeding up Layer 2 transactions) and reducing fees. The ETH price is hovering around $3,100, having recovered from a recent slump (approximately −20% from its October maximum). Investors are optimistic that technological improvements and an increase in staked coins will strengthen Ethereum's market position. Despite a recent outflow of funds from Ethereum-based funds, the fundamental indicators of the network (demand for DeFi and NFT services) remain strong. Under favorable conditions, Ethereum has the potential to reach new annual highs.
Altcoins: Mixed Market Dynamics
The altcoin market shows divergent 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 maintain a significant portion of their previously achieved positions due to ecosystem development and attractive staking. For instance, Solana (SOL) is trading around $150 per coin; its growth in 2025 is supported by the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on this token and a high delegation yield (around 7% per annum), attracting long-term investors. Some altcoins have corrected following a rapid summer surge. XRP retraced to about $2.4 after soaring above $3 (following Ripple's victory over the SEC). Nevertheless, legal clarity regarding the token's status sustains interest in XRP, keeping it among the major crypto assets. Dogecoin (DOGE) is holding around $0.15 – supported by a devoted community and media attention, although volatility remains high.
Institutional Investors and ETF Trends
After record inflows during the summer, the fall saw a significant capital outflow from crypto funds. However, by early December, a return of some funds was noted: moderate inflows into major Bitcoin ETFs indicate a cautious return of large players. The SEC is considering launching ETFs for several popular altcoins (Solana is already launched, with funds for Dogecoin, XRP, and others on the way). Some institutional investors, having weathered the turbulence in November, are gradually re-entering the market, planning portfolio rebalancing by year-end.
Forecasts and Expectations
Experts are moderately optimistic about 2026: after a phase of consolidation, new market growth may be possible under favorable macro conditions. At the same time, risks of volatility and unexpected shocks remain, so investors are advised to stick to long-term strategies and diversification.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$90,000. The largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) with a limited supply; in demand among institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,100. The second-largest coin by market capitalization (~13% of the market), foundational platform for smart contracts (DeFi, NFT); transitioned to Proof-of-Stake.
- Tether (USDT) — ~$1.00. Leading stablecoin (≈$185 billion capitalization), pegged to the US dollar and widely used in crypto trading.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$900. Ecosystem token of the largest exchange, Binance (capitalization ≈$140 billion); used for fee payments and platform services.
- USD Coin (USDC) — ~$1.00. Second-largest stablecoin (≈$75 billion), fully backed by reserves; known for high market trust.
- XRP (Ripple) — ~$2.4. Token for cross-border payments (≈$130 billion); regained investor trust and its position among leaders following Ripple's legal victory in the US.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$150. High-speed blockchain (~$60 billion), demonstrating growth due to the development of DeFi/NFT ecosystems and the launch of investment funds (ETFs).
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.55. Blockchain platform with a scientific approach (~$20 billion); stays in the top 10 thanks to an active community and consistent network updates.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.15. The most well-known meme cryptocurrency (~$20 billion); supported by the community and media attention, but characterized by high volatility.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.30. Cryptocurrency of the Tron platform (~$25 billion), utilized for digital content and the issuance of stablecoins; attracts users with low fees and high network speed.
