Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, December 11, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates Ahead of Fed Decision, Ethereum Outpaces Market Growth, Rally Hopes Remain, Top 10 Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of December 11, 2025, the cryptocurrency market demonstrates relative stability after a recovery from November's downturn. One of the worst Novembers in recent years has given way to a cautious uptrend in early December: Bitcoin has bounced back from local lows and is consolidating, while key altcoins show moderate growth, stabilizing after recent volatility. The total market capitalization of the crypto market holds steady around $3.2 trillion, with Bitcoin's dominance at approximately 60%. The "fear and greed" index for cryptocurrencies currently hovers in the "fear" zone, reflecting the cautious sentiment of investors. Market participants are evaluating whether the current consolidation will transform into a pre-New Year rally or if volatility will persist.
Bitcoin: Consolidation Ahead of 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. Mass profit-taking and a cascade of liquidations of margin positions during October and November drove the price down to approximately $85,000 by the end of November (the lowest level in recent months). However, in December, the leading cryptocurrency shows signs of recovery: the price has returned to levels above $90,000 and has been trading in the range of approximately $90,000–95,000 in recent days, consolidating after the rebound. The current BTC price is nearly 10% above November's lows. Bitcoin's market capitalization is estimated at about $1.8 trillion, accounting for around 59–60% of the total crypto market cap.
Investors are cautiously awaiting the results of the December meeting of the Federal Reserve, which could significantly impact Bitcoin's dynamics. It is anticipated that the Fed’s decisions regarding interest rates (a signal for a potential decrease, the first in several years) could act as a catalyst for the crypto market: easing monetary policy would enhance liquidity and risk appetite, supporting BTC’s price. Analysts at the London Crypto Club note that in the near term, liquidity injections through Fed policy easing may propel the growth of the leading cryptocurrency.
At the same time, traders are preparing for heightened volatility. The team at QCP Capital believes that Bitcoin will trade within a wide range of approximately $84,000 to $100,000 in the coming weeks, reacting to macroeconomic news. Some experts are skeptical regarding the so-called "Santa Claus rally": Bloomberg strategist Mike McGlone warns that a pre-New Year spike may not occur, forecasting that BTC will be trading below $84,000 by the end of the year.
Major financial institutions have revised their short-term Bitcoin forecasts following the latest downturn. For instance, Standard Chartered has lowered its 2025 year-end target price for BTC from the previous $200,000 to $100,000, considering the November correction. Nevertheless, a long-term bullish outlook remains intact: Standard Chartered still anticipates Bitcoin will rise to $500,000, albeit over a more distant horizon (by 2030 instead of the previously predicted 2028). Overall, despite recent fluctuations, Bitcoin maintains its status as "digital gold" and is in demand among 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 experienced a correction in the second half of autumn. At the beginning of November, the second-largest cryptocurrency reached a multi-year high (with ETH exceeding $5,000 at the peak of the rally), but subsequently fell along with the market. Currently, Ethereum is trading around $3,300, recovering from November's lows (which dipped below $2,800). Over the past week, ETH has grown faster than Bitcoin, demonstrating double-digit growth (over +10%), while BTC gained about 4%. The market capitalization of ETH stands at around $400 billion (approximately 13% of the total market). Ethereum remains the base platform for decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT ecosystems, and recent technical upgrades (transition to Proof-of-Stake algorithm, network scalability improvements) strengthen investors' confidence in the long-term value of this asset.
Other leading altcoins are generally following the overall market dynamics, showing moderate recovery after the decline at the beginning of December. Many of the top 10 digital assets have returned to levels where they stabilized following market stabilization. For example, Solana (SOL), after substantial growth in 2025, is now holding around $140–150 per coin (market capitalization of about $70 billion), reclaiming part of its losses; the Solana ecosystem continues to develop, attracting investors with DeFi and GameFi projects and expectations for the launch of ETFs on SOL. Cardano (ADA) recently emerged as one of the leaders in growth among majors, rising about 7–8% in a day and approaching the $0.60 mark. ADA remains in the top ten due to its active community and ongoing technological improvements in the network—even after volatile fluctuations in the autumn, the Cardano platform maintains investor confidence and plans to launch 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 following the November slump. Notably, significant technological progress in the sector is also evident: the Polygon blockchain team has successfully activated a major network update called Madhugiri, which reduced consensus time to 1 second and increased Polygon's throughput by approximately 30%. This hard fork, which includes a number of optimizations (limiting excessive gas consumption, improving calculations, and introducing a new type of transaction for interaction with Ethereum), is designed to enhance the speed and stability of the network's operations. The Polygon example demonstrates that despite price fluctuations, technological innovations in the cryptocurrency space continue to advance, which in the long term 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 strengthening role of institutional investors in the crypto market and the integration of traditional financial institutions. This fall, 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. Moreover, in December, the U.S. banking regulator made another step towards the crypto industry: the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) officially allowed American national banks and federal savings associations to act as intermediaries in cryptocurrency transactions. Essentially, this means that large banks can directly facilitate client transactions for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, acting as a link between buyers and sellers. This mechanism operates on an agency model: the bank simultaneously enters into a transaction with the selling client and a mirror transaction with the buying client, providing liquidity and ensuring execution while not maintaining cryptocurrencies on its balance sheet or bearing price risks. This initiative, according to the OCC, aims to transition part of the operations from unregulated shadow segments into a transparent framework of traditional finance. Certainly, strict conditions are imposed on banks—from verifying the legality of each transaction to possessing expertise in risk management—but the mere fact that banks are entering the market could significantly ease access for wider masses of investors to cryptocurrencies through familiar financial institutions.
The interest of major institutions in crypto assets remains high, even amid recent volatility. Many global banks and hedge funds are expanding their range of crypto products. For instance, major asset management firms have launched investment trusts and funds tied to digital assets, and in 2025, several crypto companies have gone public through direct listings and SPAC transactions. Recently, the investment firm Twenty One Capital, which holds over 43,500 BTC, became the third-largest public holder of Bitcoin, highlighting the growing scale of institutional participation.
Meanwhile, institutional analysts generally assess the long-term prospects of the industry positively. According to Coinbase Institutional, the November downturn played a corrective role for the market, "clearing" 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 risky strategies has significantly decreased: many short-term speculators were pushed out of the market, while long-term investors took advantage of falling prices to accumulate positions. Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, stated that over the next decade, the digital asset market could grow 10–20 times. This confidence is supported by predictions from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins about the deep integration of blockchain technologies into the traditional financial system. In other words, the largest players in the financial 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, bank participation, and support from influential financiers signal that the institutional adaptation of the crypto market is ongoing, which could attract new billions of dollars to the market in the future.
Regulating Cryptocurrencies: Global Trends
By the end of 2025, the regulatory landscape of the crypto industry is significantly changing worldwide. In the U.S., a new wave of regulators is softening the approach to digital assets. Recently, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins noted that most token sales (ICOs) should not automatically be classified as securities offerings, and therefore, they fall outside the SEC's mandate. Such comments signal a more lenient attitude from the regulator towards crypto startups: the SEC is willing to allow blockchain projects to develop without undue pressure if their tokens do not exhibit characteristics of securities. Furthermore, Atkins announced the launch in 2026 of a temporary regulatory regime—a kind of "sandbox"—which will allow crypto and fintech companies to test innovative products with simplified legislative compliance requirements. The new SEC leadership clearly aims to move away from the harsh punitive measures characteristic of the Gary Gensler era towards more open and transparent regulation. However, final decisions on the classification of crypto assets will largely depend on the U.S. Congress, where discussions on adopting a comprehensive law distributing oversight powers (SEC and CFTC) over the crypto market are ongoing.
Other American regulators are also taking steps towards integrating cryptocurrencies into the financial system. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a pilot program allowing the use of cryptocurrencies as collateral in derivative markets. At the initial stage, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoin USDC are 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 currencies.
In Europe, the DAC8 directive will come into effect on January 1, 2026, significantly strengthening tax oversight of cryptocurrency operations. According to the new rules, cryptocurrency exchanges and other service providers must provide tax authorities in EU countries with detailed data on transactions and customers' accounts. This measure aims to combat tax evasion and enhance transparency—in effect, the European Union is implementing an international standard for the exchange of tax information adapted for cryptocurrencies. Concurrently, the EU continues the phased implementation of the MiCA regulation, establishing unified rules for the issuance of stablecoins, the activities of crypto exchanges, and custodians. Together, these initiatives form a more definite and predictable regulatory environment for crypto businesses in Europe, which in the future could facilitate the influx of institutional capital into the market.
In Asian jurisdictions, government attention to the crypto market is also increasing. The Hong Kong government has announced the start of public consultations on the implementation of international standards for tax control over crypto assets. In effect, one of the leading Asian financial centers is preparing for transactions with cryptocurrencies to fall under taxation reporting rules—a step indicating the recognition of the crypto industry as part of the legal economy. Other countries in the region are taking similar measures: in Japan and South Korea, updates to laws regulating the activities of crypto exchanges and investor protection have emerged over the year, and several countries in the Middle East have established special economic zones for blockchain companies with unique regulatory conditions. Overall, the global trend is clear: rather than a complete ban or disregard for cryptocurrencies, governments are striving to develop clear rules, integrating digital assets into the existing financial and legal system. Although increased regulation raises compliance costs, in the long term, it enhances market confidence and attracts major players who value legal certainty.
Macroeconomics and Its Impact on the Crypto Market
External macroeconomic factors continue to have a significant impact on the sentiments of crypto investors. In recent weeks, the correlation between cryptocurrency price dynamics and traditional risk assets, especially technology stocks, has noticeably increased. This is explained by the influx of institutional money into digital assets, leading cryptocurrencies to be increasingly perceived alongside other investment assets. Against the backdrop of persistent high inflation and an extended period of elevated interest rates this year, investors have become more cautious regarding investments in high-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Many market participants expected that by the end of 2025, the Federal Reserve and other central banks would begin a cycle of rate reductions, easing monetary policy. However, clear signs of a decisive pivot are currently not apparent: the Fed has maintained a stringent course throughout the year in its fight against inflation. Doubts about a rapid decrease in rates from the Fed and the European Central Bank dampen risk appetite—this uncertainty has affected cryptocurrencies, holding back their growth in the fall. However, any hints at policy easing are soon reflected in market prices: for example, signs of slowing U.S. inflation or decisions to ease monetary conditions can trigger a rally in the crypto market.
Market players are now closely monitoring economic news and central banks' decisions, as these are instantly reflected in the prices of Bitcoin and altcoins. For instance, stronger-than-expected labor market data in the U.S. this fall strengthened the dollar and, as a result, led to a temporary decline in BTC prices. Conversely, positive events reducing global risks support crypto assets: in early November, investors reacted with relief to the resolution of the budget crisis in the U.S. (the Congress managed to avert a government shutdown), and in light of a growing risk appetite, Bitcoin and Ethereum received a short-term boost. External geopolitical factors also contribute to volatility: for example, sharp statements from the U.S. regarding trade tariffs or sanctions against China earlier in October triggered an immediate sell-off of cryptocurrencies, demonstrating the market's sensitivity to any global shocks.
Overall, the uncertainty in the global economy and traditional financial markets is currently generating increased fluctuations in the crypto market. Traders and investors must consider macroeconomic indicators (interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, commodity prices) more and more when making decisions, which reflects the maturing of the industry and its gradual integration into the global financial system. Whereas cryptocurrencies previously seemed to operate on their own, in 2025, their behavior largely reflects the overall sentiment in capital markets. The future trajectory of crypto prices will depend, among other factors, on central banks’ actions: the first hints of reduced borrowing costs might be the trigger many crypto investors are awaiting for a new rally.
Market Sentiment and Volatility
The rapid rise and subsequent drop in prices in recent months has been accompanied by spikes in short-term volatility in the cryptocurrency market. The sentiment index (fear and greed) for the crypto market dropped to extremely low levels at the end of November (around 10 points out of 100, indicating "extreme fear") amid panic sell-offs. As of mid-December, the index has risen slightly but remains in the "fear" zone (around 30–40 points), reflecting a prevailing cautious sentiment. This indicates that despite the 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 stabilization in sentiment are emerging: panic selling has ceased, and the fear/greed index has moved away from extreme lows, signaling a partial return of confidence. A significant factor in the market's recovery has been the reduction of speculative leverage. The November correction eliminated excessive leveraged positions from the market: according to Coinbase Institutional, the total open interest in perpetual futures for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana fell by approximately 16% compared to the October peak. Meanwhile, American spot crypto ETFs recorded capital outflows in the billions of dollars over the month, and funding rates for BTC futures have dropped below their mid-quarter levels. All these factors have led to the stabilization of the systemic leverage ratio at approximately 4–5% of the total market capitalization (compared to 10% in the summer of 2025). In simpler terms, the market currently has much less excessive borrowed capital than before the crash, reducing the risk of new price collapses and making further growth more sustainable.
Nonetheless, short-term volatility is expected to remain elevated. Ahead of significant events (such as the Fed decision), traders are pricing in the potential for sharp movements, which is reflected in the wide price fluctuations day-to-day. For example, over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin's price fluctuated between approximately $89,500 and $94,600, while Ethereum ranged from about $3,090 to $3,320, indicating ongoing nervousness. Many players continue to prefer caution: derivatives positions are actively hedged, and a significant portion of traders lock in profits at any significant price increase, limiting momentum development. However, a market cleansed of excessive optimism may find its "second wind" if new positive drivers emerge. Analysts note that the current consolidation at relatively low levels has created room for upward movement—conditioned on improved news flow, investor sentiment may quickly shift to a more optimistic tone, laying the groundwork for a rally.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
Below is a list of the 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 (market capitalization of approximately $1.8–$1.9 trillion, roughly corresponding to 60% of the entire market). Its limited issuance of 21 million coins, growing recognition by major financial companies, 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. Ethereum serves as the foundation for DeFi, NFT ecosystems, and numerous decentralized applications; its market capitalization stands at approximately $400 billion (≈13% of the market). Continuous technical updates (the network’s transition to Proof-of-Stake, improvements in scalability and efficiency through updates like Shanghai/Danksharding) and widespread application within the blockchain industry solidify Ethereum’s strong position.
- Tether (USDT) — The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT is widely 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 kind of "digital dollar" and intermediate currency in crypto asset trading.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — The native token of the largest crypto exchange Binance and the native asset of the BNB Chain blockchain. BNB is used to pay trading fees on the exchange, participate in Launchpad token sales, and execute smart contracts within the Binance ecosystem. Currently, BNB trades at around $600+ (market capitalization ~ $100 billion). Despite regulatory pressures on Binance in various countries, BNB remains in the top 5 due to its wide utility and price support mechanisms (such as regular coin burns).
- XRP (Ripple) — The token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast cross-border transactions between banks. XRP is trading at around $2.1 per coin (market capitalization ~ $110 billion). In 2025, XRP strengthened significantly due to Ripple's legal victory over the SEC and the launch of the first spot XRP-ETF, which returned the token to the ranks of market leaders. XRP is in demand in blockchain banking solutions for international transfers and remains one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies globally.
- Solana (SOL) — A high-performance blockchain platform offering fast and inexpensive transactions; it competes with Ethereum in the smart contract space. SOL is trading around $140 (market capitalization of roughly $70 billion) after substantial growth exhibited in 2025. The Solana ecosystem attracts investors through the development of DeFi and GameFi projects and expectations for ETFs launch on SOL. The network’s quick operation and support for significant projects have helped SOL enter and secure a place among the top ten crypto assets.
- Cardano (ADA) — A blockchain platform emphasizing a scientific approach to network development (development is based on academic research and verification). ADA is currently priced around $0.60 (market value ~ $20 billion) after volatile fluctuations in the autumn. Despite retreat from peak values, Cardano remains in the top 10 due to its strong community, constant network updates (improving scalability, new features), and plans to launch investment products based on ADA, sustaining interest from long-term investors.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — The most famous meme cryptocurrency, created as a joke, but has gained immense popularity over time. DOGE is holding around $0.15 (market capitalization ~$20–30 billion) and continues to rank among the largest coins due to its community loyalty and periodic attention from celebrities. Dogecoin's historical volatility is very high, yet this coin has shown remarkable resilience in investor interest for several cycles, remaining a "people's coin."
- TRON (TRX) — A blockchain platform for smart contracts originally geared toward entertainment and content. TRX currently has a price of about $0.28 (market capitalization ~ $25–30 billion). The TRON network features low fees and high throughput, making it popular for issuing and transferring stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on TRON). The platform is actively developing and supports decentralized applications (DeFi, gaming), allowing TRX to remain in the top 10 global 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 price of $1.00, and its market capitalization is about $50 billion. The coin is widely used by institutional investors and in the DeFi sector for transactions and value storage, thanks to high transparency of reserves and regular audits. USDC competes with Tether, offering a more regulated and transparent model of a stablecoin, which makes it attractive to conservative market participants.
Prospects and Expectations
The main question troubling investors in December 2025 is whether the recent correction will become a springboard for a new crypto rally or if the market will continue to experience turbulence. Historically, the end of the year often accompanies increased activity and growth in cryptocurrency prices, but there are no guarantees of repeating such a scenario. Optimists note that the key negative factors from the recent downturn have already been priced in: the weakest players capitulated in November, the market has "cleared" itself of excessive optimism, and potential positive triggers are ahead (for example, approval of new crypto ETFs or long-awaited signals of easing from central banks). Moreover, several analysts from major banks remain bullish, forecasting that under favorable macroeconomic conditions, Bitcoin could again reach six-figure prices ($150–170 thousand and higher) within the next year.
On the other hand, the continued high cost of borrowing in the global economy and any new shocks (geopolitical escalation, increased regulation, major bankruptcies in the industry) could prolong the period of instability in the crypto market. Many experts agree that for the return of a confident bullish trend, several conditions must be met simultaneously: a decrease in inflation and interest rates, an influx of fresh capital (including institutional), and a restoration of confidence in the industry following the challenges of the past year.
Meanwhile, the market demonstrates cautious optimism: key cryptocurrencies maintain important support levels, negative news is becoming less frequent, and investors are gradually returning after the shock of November. It is likely that in the coming weeks, the cryptocurrency market will continue to balance between hopes for renewed growth and concerns regarding persistent risks. Nevertheless, most observers look toward 2026 with cautious optimism, anticipating a new wave of industry development and a gradual recovery of the upward trend as external conditions improve.
