Cryptocurrency News December 13, 2025 - Bitcoin, Ethereum and Main Market Trends

Cryptocurrency News, Saturday, December 13, 2025: The Market Seeks Balance After Fed Rate Cuts, Ethereum Shows Moderate Growth, Institutional Interest Remains, Top 10 Cryptocurrencies and Market Outlook

By the morning of December 13, 2025, the global cryptocurrency market has relatively stabilized after the volatile reaction to the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates. The market leader, Bitcoin, briefly dipped below the psychological level of $90,000, but is now consolidating near this mark. Key altcoins are showing mixed dynamics: while some are trying to recover recent losses, others remain under pressure from profit-taking by investors following the rally in the first half of the year. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies holds steady around $3.2-3.3 trillion, with Bitcoin's dominance hovering around 59-60%. The Fear and Greed Index remains in the "Fear" zone, reflecting the cautiousness of market participants, despite the theoretically positive move by the regulator for risk assets. Nevertheless, fundamental factors instill optimism: institutional investors continue to increase their presence, major economies are forming clearer rules, and technological upgrades are enhancing blockchain infrastructure. This review will explore the latest trends and events in the industry, ranging from the state of the top 10 coins to regulatory shifts, technological breakthroughs, institutional inflows, safety issues, and future market prospects.

Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

1. Bitcoin (BTC) - The largest cryptocurrency, accounting for approximately 58-60% of the entire market. In October, BTC reached a new all-time high (around $126,000), but the subsequent correction brought the price down to the current ~$90,000. Despite the sharp volatility in recent months, Bitcoin remains a key indicator of sentiment in the crypto market and is regarded by investors as "digital gold" - a safe asset with a capped supply (21 million coins) and growing recognition in traditional finance.
2. Ethereum (ETH) - The second-largest coin by market capitalization and the leading platform for smart contracts. ETH trades around ~$3,200, which is lower than its peak values from early autumn but indicates recovery from the November decline. Ethereum's blockchain serves as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT ecosystems. Recently, the network successfully underwent a hard fork called Fusaka, improving scalability and reducing fees - this strengthens Ethereum's position in the market and lays the groundwork for further growth in usage.
3. Tether (USDT) - The largest stablecoin, pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT remains a key source of liquidity on crypto exchanges, allowing traders to weather periods of volatility by "parking" capital in a stable asset. Tether's market capitalization is approximately $180 billion, and its price consistently hovers around $1.00, making it a sort of "digital dollar" for the global crypto economy.
4. XRP (Ripple Token) - A cryptocurrency focused on instant global payments. XRP firmly holds its place in the top 5 with a market capitalization of around $120 billion and a price of about $2 per token. In 2025, interest in XRP notably increased following favorable legal developments: the legal battle between Ripple and the SEC in the US meandered toward resolution, restoring investor trust and boosting prices. The token is widely used in banking blockchain solutions for cross-border payments and remains one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies.
5. Binance Coin (BNB) - The proprietary token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, and the native asset of the BNB Chain. BNB is widely used to pay trading fees, participate in Launchpad token sales, and execute smart contracts within the Binance ecosystem. The coin currently trades near $850, with its market cap around $120 billion, which keeps it among market leaders. Despite regulatory pressure on Binance in several jurisdictions, the limited supply of BNB and mechanisms such as regular token burns help maintain its value and place among the top ten crypto assets.
6. USD Coin (USDC) - The second-largest stablecoin, issued by Circle and fully backed by US dollar reserves. USDC trades consistently at a rate of $1.00, with a market capitalization estimated at $75-80 billion. This coin is often preferred by institutional investors and DeFi protocols due to its transparency and regular audits of reserves. Although USDC's market share has slightly declined in favor of the more popular USDT in 2025, this stablecoin continues to be considered one of the most reliable and regulated digital parallels to the dollar.
7. Solana (SOL) - A high-performance blockchain focused on scalability and low fees. SOL's price is around $130 (cap around $70+ billion), significantly higher than the early-year levels despite a recent pullback. In 2025, Solana significantly strengthened its infrastructure: a series of updates improved network stability (substantially reducing the failures experienced last year), and plans include the implementation of parallel transaction processing technologies to further increase throughput. The development of DeFi and GameFi projects based on Solana, along with expectations for the launch of exchange-traded funds on this asset, fuel demand for SOL and help it maintain its position among leading cryptocurrencies.
8. Tron (TRX) - A blockchain platform known for its active use in entertainment and for issuing stablecoins. TRX trades around $0.28 with a market value of ~$26 billion. The Tron network attracts users with low fees and high throughput, which allows significant circulation of USDT on its blockchain. Led by Justin Sun, the project continues to evolve by supporting decentralized applications (including DeFi and games), enabling TRX to remain in the top 10 global crypto assets.
9. Dogecoin (DOGE) - The most famous meme coin, which started as a joke but has since turned into a cryptocurrency with a multi-billion dollar market cap (over $20 billion at a price of ~$0.14). DOGE's popularity is supported by an active community and periodic attention from celebrities (most notably Elon Musk). The volatility of this coin is traditionally high, but Dogecoin has demonstrated remarkable resilience regarding investor interest over several market cycles, remaining a "people's coin" and a constant participant in the top ten cryptocurrencies.
10. Cardano (ADA) - A large blockchain platform operating on a Proof-of-Stake algorithm, evolving with a focus on a research-driven approach. ADA trades around $0.40 (market cap approximately $15 billion), significantly down from its historical highs. In 2025, the Cardano team continued technical upgrades aimed at enhancing network scalability - for instance, solutions like Hydra have been implemented to create off-chain channels, which should increase throughput in the future. Despite stiff competition in the smart contracts segment and relative price stagnation, Cardano maintains one of the most devoted communities that believe in the project's long-term potential.

Global Market Overview

Overall, the global cryptocurrency capitalization is now close to the levels observed at the peak of the autumn rally. However, recent weeks have brought a noticeable correction. As of the morning of December 13, the total value of the crypto market remains approximately 20% below the all-time high recorded earlier this year and slightly lower than a week prior. All major coins in the top 10 have shown declines in recent days during the general market retreat. Bitcoin, after a sharp surge and subsequent pullback, is consolidating around $90,000—investors are trying to gauge whether the recent Fed rate cuts will spur a new uptrend or signal caution. Notably, traditional stock indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq) responded to the Fed's decision with gains, while crypto assets, conversely, partially lost value. Analysts note an increasing correlation between Bitcoin and tech stocks: both markets experienced similar surges and declines in 2025, linked to the volatile sentiment around artificial intelligence prospects and monetary policy changes.

Following a remarkable rally at the beginning of the year (largely prompted by a capital influx due to expectations surrounding the approval of the first bitcoin ETFs and the advent of an administration more friendly toward the crypto industry), the cryptocurrency market encountered a phase of turbulence. The October drop, prompted by unexpected external economic actions from the US (introduction of new trade tariffs and heightened geopolitical tensions), led to a record wave of liquidations of margin positions totaling over $19 billion. Since then, Bitcoin and several major altcoins have been unable to return to recently achieved peaks. November was one of the worst months in recent years: the month-on-month price drop proved to be the largest since 2021, significantly cooling optimism among some investors.

Nevertheless, compared to current quotes from early 2025, many crypto assets still exhibit significant growth. Several altcoins (e.g., XRP or Solana), despite current declines, trade substantially above their end-2024 levels due to previously achieved milestones (regulatory clarity regarding XRP's status, technological advancements in Solana, etc.). Bitcoin's share of total capitalization fluctuates around 55-60%, indicating investors' inclination to hold a considerable part of their capital in the most reliable digital asset amid market uncertainty. Current player sentiment can be characterized as cautious optimism: the "Fear and Greed" index for cryptocurrencies has risen slightly after recent turmoil but still signals a predominance of fearful elements. Market participants are awaiting new signals—ranging from macroeconomic data to progress on launching new investment products (e.g., upcoming crypto ETFs or institutional services)—before a confident upward trend resumes.

Regulatory News

• USA: The regulatory landscape of the crypto industry in 2025 has significantly clarified. After years of discussions, US authorities greenlit the first spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking an important milestone for the legitimization of crypto assets. Furthermore, financial regulators officially permitted US banks to act as custodians for client cryptocurrencies, paving the way for pension and investment funds to safely invest in digital assets. Despite these advancements, oversight bodies continue to closely monitor the market: the SEC still demands compliance with securities laws during token issuances, and new rules for stablecoins and crypto exchanges emphasizing investor protections are being discussed in Congress.
• Europe: The EU has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), establishing uniform rules for the cryptocurrency market across the bloc. This means more precise requirements for token issuers, crypto exchanges, and wallet providers regarding registration, reserve sufficiency, and anti-money laundering measures. European crypto firms have generally welcomed MiCA, as uniform regulation simplifies their operations across all Union markets. Simultaneously, the authorities of individual EU countries continue initiatives to implement CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) and test blockchain solutions in the public sector.
• Asia and Other Regions: The Asia-Pacific region maintains a mixed approach toward cryptocurrencies. On one hand, Hong Kong's financial hub launched regulated retail trading platforms for crypto assets in 2025, while Singapore expanded its licensing requirements, encouraging blockchain innovations. On the other hand, mainland China still imposes strict restrictions on cryptocurrency operations for the populace, focusing on its digital yuan. In several other countries (e.g., UAE, Switzerland), frameworks supporting crypto-friendly jurisdictions with clear rules for business are actively developing, attracting blockchain startups and investment funds there. Overall, by the end of 2025, regulatory clarity in key jurisdictions has considerably increased, reducing legal risks for the industry and building trust from traditional investors.

Blockchain Technological Upgrades

• Ethereum – Fusaka Hard Fork: In December, the Ethereum network successfully activated a major protocol update codenamed Fusaka. This hard fork is the second significant upgrade of Ethereum for the year and aims to increase the baseline capacity of the blockchain. As part of the upgrade, the gas limit per block has been increased, compatibility with Layer 2 (L2) solutions has been improved, and optimizations for smart contracts have been added. These changes will help reduce transaction fees and speed up operations within the network, given the increasing load from DeFi applications. Ethereum continues to move along its roadmap aimed at further scaling (with plans to implement Danksharding) and enhancing network security.
• Bitcoin – Scalability and New Use Cases: No hard forks occurred in the Bitcoin main network in 2025; however, the ecosystem surrounding the first cryptocurrency has dynamically evolved. The capacity of the Lightning Network (a Layer 2 solution for quick micropayments) hit record levels in total channel capacity, expanding the practical uses of Bitcoin in retail payments and transfers. Simultaneously, the Bitcoin community actively discusses several improvement proposals (BIPs) aimed at enhancing the privacy and functionality of the network – for example, mechanisms for partially signed transactions and so-called "covenants" for more flexible fund management. Additionally, cross-chain initiatives have developed: the emergence of Bitcoin Ordinals protocols and other solutions for token issuance based on BTC demonstrated that even the conservative Bitcoin can serve new use cases (such as issuing NFT collections and stablecoins on the Bitcoin blockchain) without altering the fundamental consensus.
• Other Blockchain Projects: Among altcoins, 2025 has been marked by several technological breakthroughs. The Solana platform significantly improved its operational reliability following critical updates—network failures that characterized the previous year have practically ceased. Solana's developers are preparing to implement technologies for parallel transaction execution (using the Firedancer client-accelerator), which could multiply the network's throughput. Cardano made progress on scaling protocols: the launch of the Hydra solution for creating off-chain channels should increase transactions per second without overloading the main network. There also continued rapid development of Layer 2 (L2) networks for Ethereum, such as Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism: they have become an integral part of the industry, offering cheap and fast transactions. The total value locked (TVL) on these L2 platforms has significantly increased over the year, reflecting demand for solutions to relieve the Ethereum main network. New projects at the intersection of blockchain and artificial intelligence have also emerged, promising synergistic opportunities (such as decentralized AI platforms), although they are still in early development stages. Overall, technological progress in the crypto sector shows no signs of slowing down: each update enhances the efficiency, security, and attractiveness of blockchains for businesses and users.

Institutional Investments

• Breakthrough with Crypto ETFs: The outgoing year has heralded a historic breakthrough for institutional integration - for the first time, spot crypto ETFs debuted on traditional exchanges. In the US, and subsequently in several other countries, regulators approved trading for exchange-traded funds that directly invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Famous Wall Street firms (including investment giant BlackRock) became issuers of such funds. Since the launch of trading, they have attracted significant capital; in the early months, the aggregate influx of capital was measured in billions of dollars. For instance, on a single day in December, American Bitcoin ETFs received over $200 million in investments. The emergence of accessible exchange instruments based on crypto assets has significantly increased trust among conservative players—pension funds, insurance companies, and banks—that previously avoided direct purchases of digital coins.
• Participation of Banks and Payment Systems: Major banks and financial corporations expanded their presence in the crypto market in 2025. Many Wall Street banks launched custodial cryptocurrency storage services for wealthy clients and established trading divisions for operations with digital assets. Global payment giants began integrating blockchain technologies into their products: for example, PayPal launched its own stablecoin (PYUSD) to simplify digital payments, and Visa introduced the ability to make cross-border payments using the Solana blockchain and the USDC stablecoin, significantly speeding up and reducing costs for international transactions. These steps by traditional financial institutions indicate an increase in institutional demand for cryptocurrencies and recognition of them as a legitimate asset class.
• Corporate Treasuries and Venture Capital: Institutional acceptance of crypto assets is also evident in the corporate sector. An increasing number of S&P 500 companies are including Bitcoin in their treasury reserves or investing in blockchain startups. Notable enthusiast Michael Saylor, through his company MicroStrategy (which has transformed into a holding company), continued to accumulate BTC reserves on the balance sheet, although after the autumn volatility, he warned of the potential for another "crypto winter." Venture investments in the sector have also revitalized: major funds (Andreessen Horowitz, Binance Labs, etc.) announced the launch of new investment products targeting Web3 projects, decentralized finance, and blockchain + AI. The influx of institutional and venture capital in 2025 supported the market during downturns and provided resources for developing infrastructural solutions.
• The Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds and Governments: An important trend has been the increased involvement of state entities in the crypto market. Sovereign wealth funds from countries in the Middle East and Asia have made noteworthy investments: from purchasing stakes in global exchanges to directly acquiring top cryptocurrencies for their portfolios. Some central banks—such as El Salvador, where Bitcoin has official currency status—increased their cryptocurrency reserves amid a declining dollar. In the US, regulators have definitively legalized the possibility for banks to serve clients wishing to invest in digital assets, easing pension and investment funds' access to cryptocurrencies through traditional financial intermediaries. These shifts indicate that institutional and even state players have firmly entered the crypto market ecosystem, enhancing its liquidity and resilience.

Major Hacks and Scams

• Record Hacker Attacks: Despite the overall maturation of the industry, 2025 became one of the most problematic years regarding the volume of assets stolen due to hacks. In the first six months, criminals stole cryptocurrencies worth over $2 billion, and by the end of the year, this figure approached historic lows. The most notorious incident was a February attack on one of the leading exchanges, Bybit, where hackers took around $1.5 billion in digital assets—an unprecedented amount for a single hack. Experts estimate this attack was carried out by North Korean hacking groups, which became active in 2025 and are collectively responsible for approximately $2 billion in stolen funds. The stolen assets were later laundered through complex transaction chains, mixers, and decentralized exchanges, complicating tracking efforts.
• Vulnerabilities of DeFi Protocols: Decentralized finance platforms also became frequent targets. Mid-year saw a surge of attacks on DeFi applications: for instance, an exploit vulnerability on the popular decentralized exchange GMX resulted in losses of around $40 million, while an insider scheme on the Indian centralized exchange CoinDCX led to approximately $44 million being siphoned off. In total, the five largest hacks of DeFi platforms in July caused users losses exceeding $130 million. These incidents highlight persistent risks associated with smart contracts: errors in code, inadequate security audits, and sophisticated attack methods lead to instantaneous fund losses, and DeFi users must remain vigilant.
• Frauds and Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies worldwide intensified their battle against organizers of large-scale cryptocurrency scams from earlier years in 2025. In New York, the trial against Do Kwon, the co-founder of the failed stablecoin project Terra/Luna, is nearing its conclusion: prosecutors are demanding over 10 years in prison for defrauding investors out of billions of dollars. The collapse of the Terra ecosystem in 2022 triggered a chain reaction of bankruptcies (including the high-profile FTX collapse) and became one of the most instructive events for the industry. Additionally, international investigations continue into the creators of the OneCoin pyramid scheme and several dubious DeFi projects suspected of misappropriating investors' funds. In the past year, regulators and police have notably ramped up their fight against fraudsters: dozens of arrests have been made worldwide, and crypto-assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars have been confiscated, with the first real convictions handed down to top executives of bankrupt crypto companies. All this demonstrates that the era of uncontrolled schemes is drawing to a close. However, users should still remain cautious—get-rich-quick schemes, "one-day" projects (rug pulls), and phishing attacks continue to emerge, especially surrounding new tokens and NFT collections.

Conclusions and Outlook

As 2025 comes to a close, the cryptocurrency market presents a mixed picture. On one hand, the industry has achieved impressive milestones: new price records were established in the first half of the year, digital assets integrated more deeply into traditional finance (through ETF launches and banking services), and technological advancements enhanced the reliability and scalability of blockchains. On the other hand, high volatility and a succession of shocks (both external and internal) have reminded investors of the inherent risks associated with this asset class. In the short term, much will depend on the macroeconomic landscape: further easing of monetary policy by leading central banks could stimulate demand for risk assets; however, ongoing uncertainty in the global economy (including the potential formation of a "bubble" in the tech stocks market) will continue to influence sentiment in the crypto world.

Nevertheless, fundamental trends indicate the continued maturation and growth of the crypto industry. Increased institutional participation brings greater liquidity and resilience to the market, and expanding regulatory clarity in key regions lowers barriers for new major players. Technological innovations broaden the applications of cryptocurrencies—from payment services and decentralized finance to gaming platforms and metaverse projects. Investors are advised to maintain a balanced approach: diversify their portfolios among major cryptocurrencies, closely monitor regulatory news, and the adoption of crypto instruments by large companies, and, most importantly, never overlook cybersecurity principles when dealing with digital assets. As we enter 2026, the crypto market remains a dynamic and global phenomenon, capable of surprising with rapid growth and testing resilience with unforeseen challenges. It is in these conditions that new opportunities arise for those investors who are ready to think strategically and for the long term.