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 after a volatile start to the week. Bitcoin remains around $90,000 following a correction, while Ethereum has successfully completed its Fusaka upgrade, bolstering investor optimism. Most major altcoins have recouped part of their recent losses; however, overall market participants are exercising caution despite hopes for a year-end rally.
Bitcoin Consolidates After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $90,000, which is nearly 30% lower than October's peak (~$126,000) mainly due to profit-taking amid macroeconomic uncertainty. On December 1, the price fell below $86,000 but then rebounded to approximately $90,000. The market capitalization of BTC is estimated to be around $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 completed the Fusaka upgrade aimed at enhancing the scalability of the network (accelerating Layer 2 transactions) and reducing fees. The ETH price is holding around $3,100, recovering from a recent dip (approximately −20% from October's high). Investors are optimistic that technological improvements and an increase in staked coins will reinforce Ethereum's position in the market. 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 is poised to reach new annual highs.
Altcoins: Mixed Market Dynamics
The altcoin market is experiencing mixed dynamics. Following a general decline at the end of November, most major altcoins are slowly recovering alongside Bitcoin. High-performance platforms such as Solana have managed to retain a significant portion of their previously achieved positions thanks to ecosystem development and attractive staking opportunities. For example, Solana (SOL) is trading around $150 per coin; its growth in 2025 has been supported by the launch of ETFs for this token and high delegation yields (approximately 7% annually), attracting long-term investors. Some altcoins have corrected after their rapid summer growth. XRP, after skyrocketing above $3 (following Ripple's victory over the SEC), has retraced to around $2.4. Nevertheless, the legal clarity regarding the token's status maintains interest in XRP, keeping it among the largest crypto assets. Dogecoin (DOGE) holds around $0.15—its loyal community and media attention support it, although volatility remains high.
Institutional Investors and ETF Trends
Following record inflows during the summer, there was a substantial outflow of capital from crypto funds in the fall. By early December, a portion of funds began to return: moderate inflows into major Bitcoin ETFs suggest a cautious return of institutional players. The SEC is considering the launch of ETFs for several popular altcoins (Solana has already launched, with ETFs for Dogecoin, XRP, and others on the way). Some institutional investors, having weathered the turbulence of November, are gradually returning to the market, planning to rebalance their portfolios by year-end.
Outlooks and Expectations
Experts are moderately optimistic regarding 2026: after a phase of consolidation, a new market rally may be possible under favorable macro conditions. At the same time, risks of volatility and unexpected shocks remain; therefore, investors are advised to adhere 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 from institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,100. The second-largest by market cap (~13% of the market), a base 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. A token for the ecosystem of the largest exchange, Binance (market cap ≈$140 billion); used for payment of fees and services on the platform.
- USD Coin (USDC) — ~$1.00. The second-largest stablecoin (≈$75 billion), fully backed by reserves; characterized by high trust among market participants.
- XRP (Ripple) — ~$2.4. A token for cross-border payments (≈$130 billion); after Ripple's legal victory in the US, investor confidence has been restored, securing its position among the leaders.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$150. A 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. A blockchain platform with a scientific approach (~$20 billion); remains in the top 10 due to an active community and constant network upgrades.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.15. The most well-known meme cryptocurrency (~$20 billion); supported by its community and media attention, but exhibits high volatility.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.30. A cryptocurrency of the Tron platform (~$25 billion), used for digital content and the issuance of stablecoins; attracts with low fees and high network speed.
