Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, December 4, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates, Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade, Altcoin Dynamics, and a Review of the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies.
By the morning of December 4, 2025, the cryptocurrency market has stabilized following a volatile start to the week. Bitcoin remains around $90,000 after a correction, while Ethereum has successfully completed the Fusaka upgrade, boosting investor optimism. Most major altcoins have recovered part of their recent losses; however, market participants are generally cautious despite hopes for a year-end rally.
Bitcoin Consolidates After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $90,000, nearly 30% lower than its October peak (~$126,000), primarily due to profit-taking amidst macroeconomic uncertainty. On December 1, the price dipped below $86,000 but subsequently rebounded to approximately $90,000. The market capitalization of BTC is estimated at about $1.8 trillion (≈59% of the market). Sentiment remains cautious, with the "fear/greed" index in the "fear" zone (approximately 30/100).
Ethereum Completes Fusaka Upgrade
Ethereum (ETH) has successfully implemented the Fusaka upgrade aimed at enhancing network scalability (accelerating Layer 2 transactions) and reducing fees. ETH is holding steady around $3,100, having recovered from a recent dip (approximately −20% from its October peak). Investors are hopeful that technological improvements and an increase in staked coins will solidify Ethereum's market position. Despite a recent outflow of funds from Ethereum funds, the network's fundamental metrics (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 is displaying mixed dynamics. Following a general decline at the end of November, most major altcoins are gradually recovering alongside Bitcoin. High-performance platforms like Solana have managed to retain much of their previous gains thanks to ecosystem development and attractive staking options. For instance, Solana (SOL) is trading around $150 per coin; its growth in 2025 is bolstered by the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on this token and a high yield from delegation (approximately 7% annually), which attracts long-term investors. Some altcoins have corrected after a rapid summer surge. XRP, after soaring above $3 (following Ripple's victory over the SEC), has retraced to around $2.4. Nevertheless, the legal clarity of the token's status keeps interest in XRP alive, ensuring its position among major crypto assets. Dogecoin (DOGE) remains around $0.15 – supported by a dedicated community and media attention, although volatility remains high.
Institutional Investors and ETF Trends
Following record inflows during the summer, a significant outflow of capital from crypto funds was observed in the autumn. By early December, a portion of funds seemed to be returning: modest inflows into leading Bitcoin ETFs indicate the cautious return of large players. The SEC is considering the launch of ETFs for several popular altcoins (Solana has already been launched, with funds for Dogecoin, XRP, and others on the horizon). Some institutional investors, having weathered the turbulence of November, are gradually returning to the market, planning to rebalance their portfolios by year-end.
Forecasts and Expectations
Experts remain moderately optimistic regarding 2026: after a consolidation phase, favorable macro conditions may lead to renewed market growth. However, risks of volatility and sudden shocks persist, so investors are advised to adhere to long-term strategies and maintain diversification.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$90,000. The largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) with a capped supply; in demand among institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,100. The second-largest coin by market capitalization (~13% of the market), the foundational platform for smart contracts (DeFi, NFT); has transitioned to Proof-of-Stake.
- Tether (USDT) — ~$1.00. The leading stablecoin (≈$185 billion market cap), pegged to the US dollar and widely used in crypto trading.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$900. The token of the largest exchange ecosystem Binance (market cap ≈$140 billion); used for paying fees and services on the platform.
- USD Coin (USDC) — ~$1.00. The second-largest stablecoin (≈$75 billion), fully backed by reserves; notable for its high trust among market participants.
- XRP (Ripple) — ~$2.4. Token for cross-border payments (≈$130 billion); following Ripple's legal victory in the US, it has regained investor trust and its place among leaders.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$150. High-speed blockchain (~$60 billion), showing growth due to DeFi/NFT ecosystem development and ETF launches.
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.55. A scientifically driven blockchain platform (~$20 billion); remains in the top 10 thanks to its active community and continuous network upgrades.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.15. The most famous meme cryptocurrency (~$20 billion); supported by its community and media attention, but characterized by high volatility.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.30. The cryptocurrency of the Tron platform (~$25 billion), used for digital content and the issuance of stablecoins; attracts with low fees and high network speed.
