Cryptocurrency News for Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Bitcoin trades around $90,000, Ethereum strengthens above $3,000, altcoins show growth. Market overview and top 10 cryptocurrencies for investors.
At the beginning of the last week of December, global cryptocurrencies are displaying mixed volatility. Bitcoin attempted to surpass the $90,000 mark, while Ethereum temporarily exceeded $3,000. However, a full-fledged holiday rally did not materialize: quotes quickly retreated as markets await clarity on regulatory initiatives and external risks. Investors are acting cautiously amid macroeconomic fluctuations, but institutional demand remains a positive factor.
Bitcoin Fluctuates Around Record Levels
On Monday, December 29, BTC exhibited unusual activity for the holiday period. During Asian trading hours, the price of Bitcoin rose by about 3%, exceeding $90,200, but by Tuesday morning it retreated below $88,000 amid profit-taking. Thus, the "digital gold" did not support the traditional Christmas rally: despite an overall recovery in stock markets, Bitcoin corrected. Volatility in Bitcoin remains high as investors await new signals from global regulators.
Ethereum and Altcoins Show Growth
The second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, Ethereum, has outperformed other major coins. The price of ETH rose by more than 4%, surpassing the $3,000 mark. This success is partly due to positive expectations—the developers have approved plans for grand network upgrades (the "Glamsterdam" and "Hegota" hard forks), aimed at increasing its capacity and security (including the implementation of Verkle trees).
Additionally, there is a growing interest in altcoins within the cryptocurrency market. For instance, Solana and Binance Coin added more than 3% over the past 24 hours, and Bitcoin's market share has dropped below 60%. This data indicates an increasing demand for alternative projects: due to their high speed and low fees, Solana and BNB have become attractive tools in DeFi and payments. Other projects, such as Cardano and Chainlink, remain popular as they continue to be in demand due to their technologies.
Institutional Investors Increase Positions
Major institutional players continue to accumulate crypto-assets. According to analysts, corporate "digital asset treasuries" have brought their Bitcoin reserves to approximately 5% of the total issuance of the coin (over $95 billion), while the volumes of ETH on the balance sheets of such funds are approaching 5% of its issuance (around $18 billion). Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Ethereum are also attracting significant amounts: assets under management for such funds amount to about $113 billion in Bitcoin and nearly $18 billion in Ethereum.
At the same time, some long-term holders are reducing their positions. Reports indicate that in 2025, "old" holders (who held BTC for more than five years) sold coins worth tens of billions of dollars, particularly after the record price in October. These sales have put pressure on the market, but institutional purchases have partially offset this effect. As a result, large investors continue to confidently buy "on the dip," while the market awaits new growth drivers.
Regulation and the Global Picture
Around the world, regulators are clarifying rules for digital assets. In the USA, the administration continues its support for the industry: in 2025, the GENIUS Act on stablecoins was passed, and the formation of a government reserve of cryptocurrencies from confiscated funds is also under discussion. The European Union is set to implement the DAC8 directive starting January 1, 2026, requiring exchanges and providers to provide tax authorities with detailed information about customer transactions and allowing the freezing of accounts in cases of tax evasion. Additionally, in Russia, the Central Bank has completed the preparation of a cryptocurrency regulation concept, expanding access for both qualified and ordinary investors.
Top 10 Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the first and largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Often referred to as "digital gold" for its role as a safe-haven asset and limited supply. Despite overall volatility, Bitcoin maintains its status as a foundational asset for investors and continues to attract significant institutional investments.
- Ethereum (ETH) — the second-largest cryptocurrency and leading platform for smart contracts. Ethereum supports an extensive ecosystem of DeFi and NFT applications. In 2026, updates aimed at enhancing capacity and reducing fees are planned for the network, which boosts the long-term investment appeal of ETH.
- Tether (USDT) — the largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Tether ensures high liquidity in the market and serves as the primary "transfer" asset for traders between various cryptocurrencies. Thanks to its stable price and recognition on major exchanges, USDT continues to remain popular.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — the native token of the Binance exchange ecosystem. BNB is used for paying fees on the platform, participating in token sales, and functions on the Binance Smart Chain. The expansion of Binance services and the popularity of projects on this platform make BNB a sought-after tool.
- XRP (Ripple) — the cryptocurrency of the Ripple payment network. XRP is designed for fast international transfers and is supported by several financial institutions to optimize settlements. Despite regulatory challenges, XRP maintains demand as a means of interbank transactions.
- USD Coin (USDC) — the second-largest stablecoin issued by Circle. USDC is stable due to its constant backing in dollars and audit transparency. This token is widely used in trading and DeFi applications for storing liquidity alongside Tether.
- Solana (SOL) — a high-performance blockchain for decentralized applications. Solana stands out for its high transaction processing speed and low fees, making it attractive for DeFi and NFT projects. SOL is among the leaders in yield among altcoins.
- TRON (TRX) — a blockchain platform originally focused on entertainment content and decentralized applications. TRX is the main token of the Tron network, where it is used for paying services and staking. The platform attracts users with high throughput and partnerships with media projects.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — a meme coin created for humorous purposes. Dogecoin has no emission cap and is supported by an active community. Thanks to its popularity among the general public and endorsements from influencers, DOGE remains one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies.
- Cardano (ADA) — a blockchain based on a research-driven approach (Ouroboros consensus). Cardano provides smart contract functionality with a focus on security and scalability. ADA has a robust community and continues to develop, strengthening its position as one of the significant projects in the crypto ecosystem.
Trends for 2026
Analysts anticipate the continuation of established trends into the next year. Venture capitalists are highlighting key areas: the integration of artificial intelligence into crypto services, the growth of the stablecoin market, and the development of new blockchain-based lending models. These factors indicate a shift toward a more institutionalized market. The main risks remain macroeconomic instability and the pace of regulatory reforms, while the primary drivers are technological innovations and support from major investors. As a result, by 2026, the crypto market is preparing to become more mature and diversified.
