Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, November 20, 2025. Bitcoin Holds Above $90,000, Ethereum and Top 10 Altcoins Show Mixed Dynamics. An Analysis of Key Trends and Investor Expectations.
As of the morning of November 20, 2025, the global cryptocurrency market is striving to find equilibrium following recent volatility and correction. Bitcoin, which previously plummeted to a seven-month low below $90,000, is now stabilizing around ~$90–92,000, indicating attempts at stabilization. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies stands at approximately $3 trillion, and investor sentiment remains cautious. Market participants are turning their attention to external factors, with key macroeconomic data and regulatory decisions ahead that could influence the market's future direction.
Bitcoin: Searching for Support After Correction
The flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced a swift rise followed by an equally sharp decline this autumn. At the beginning of October, BTC reached an all-time high of (~$126,000), after which it began to correct amid profit-taking and liquidation of over-leveraged positions. By mid-November, the price fell to ~$90,000 (a month low since April), negating annual gains. In recent days, the decline appears to have halted; Bitcoin is consolidating in the $90–95,000 range, trying to maintain its position above $90,000. Some analysts consider the current decline a healthy correction and a precursor to a new rally, while others warn of the risk of further decline in the face of adverse macro factors. If BTC can maintain this critical level, it may pave the way for a resumption of upward trend by the end of the year.
Ethereum and Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics
The second-largest crypto asset, Ethereum (ETH), has also felt market pressure. Following a summer rise to ~$3,900, the price of ETH fell below $3,100 this autumn but has since partially recovered and is currently around ~$3,000. Interest in Ethereum is supported by the development of decentralized applications (DeFi, NFT) ecosystems and expectations of an impending network upgrade that could enhance its performance and reduce fees. Alongside ETH, the dynamics of other top altcoins remain mixed. XRP surged above $3 on news of Ripple's victory over the SEC and the launch of an ETF, but then retreated to ~$2.20, maintaining its leadership thanks to institutional interest. The Solana (SOL) platform attracted significant investment, raising its price to ~$150 before correction; Solana holds its place in the top 10 due to its high network speed and growing number of projects. Other coins in the top ten have also pulled back from recent highs. Specific niche tokens have shown brief price surges followed by sharp declines, highlighting the importance of cautious risk management.
Institutional Interest and Traditional Capital
Major financial players are sending mixed signals. Following a summer influx of capital, some investors began to take profits this autumn, leading to outflows from several crypto funds. However, institutional interest remains; new products are being introduced – in the US, the first spot ETF on XRP was recently launched, and funds focused on Ethereum are expected. The traditional financial sector is increasingly engaging with the crypto industry. Several banks are launching crypto services, and crypto companies are receiving significant investments from Wall Street. For example, SoFi bank has opened access to cryptocurrency trading for its clients, and exchange Kraken has raised ~$800 million in funding, increasing its valuation to $20 billion. These moves strengthen the connection between traditional finance and the cryptocurrency market, enhancing trust in digital assets.
Regulatory Environment: Towards Order
Regulatory bodies worldwide continue to establish rules for cryptocurrency operations, making the industry more transparent and comprehensible for investors. Here are some trends:
- USA: Regulators are softening their approach to the crypto industry. A bill on digital assets is moving forward in Congress, and the SEC has removed cryptocurrencies from its focus in its priorities for 2026, which may indicate a reduction in regulatory pressure. There's also discussion about allowing cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k) retirement plans, signaling gradual integration of crypto assets into the traditional financial system.
- Europe: The EU is implementing the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, establishing unified rules for crypto firms across member states. Dozens of companies have already obtained licenses under the new requirements, enhancing exchange transparency and investor protection. Stablecoins, exchanges, and DeFi platforms now operate within a more defined legal framework.
- Asia: Hong Kong has legalized retail trading of major cryptocurrencies through licensed exchanges, aiming to become a crypto hub. Singapore and the UAE continue to implement friendly regimes for blockchain businesses, attracting projects and capital. Meanwhile, mainland China maintains a ban on crypto trading, focusing on its own digital yuan.
Macroeconomic Factors and Their Impact on the Market
The macroeconomic environment remains a key factor for cryptocurrencies. Recent statements from the US Federal Reserve leadership have taken a "hawkish" tone: inflation is not decreasing quickly enough, and high interest rates will persist longer than expected. This cools risk appetite and puts pressure on Bitcoin and altcoins. Investors are cautiously awaiting new economic data from the US (including the employment report on November 20) for clues on future Federal Reserve actions. Overall, the correlation between the crypto market and stock markets has intensified: any macroeconomic shocks or, conversely, easing of policy are immediately reflected in the prices of digital assets. Any signals of policy easing or improvements in geopolitics could revive demand for cryptocurrencies, while further tightening of conditions will likely maintain a cautious mode.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of November 20, 2025, the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization are as follows:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — the largest cryptocurrency (~60% of the market) priced around $90,000; the main market benchmark and "digital gold" for investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) — the second largest by market cap (~12% of the market), around $3,000. The base platform for DeFi and NFT, regularly updated for efficiency improvements.
- Tether (USDT) — the leading stablecoin pegged to the US dollar 1:1. Widely used on exchanges for trading, providing market liquidity.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — the token of the largest exchange Binance (BNB Chain network). Used for fees and DeFi services within the Binance ecosystem, remaining in the top five due to widespread applicability.
- XRP — a token for instant cross-border payments. Strengthened after Ripple's victory over the SEC and the ETF launch; price remains above $2.
- Solana (SOL) — a high-speed blockchain with low fees. Attracted significant investments, raising SOL to ~$140; remains in the top 10 due to its growing ecosystem.
- Cardano (ADA) — a smart contract platform with a scientific approach to development. An active community keeps ADA in the top 10, although the price has fallen below $1 following a correction.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — the most well-known meme cryptocurrency. Thanks to community support, DOGE remains among market leaders, though it is characterized by high volatility.
- Tron (TRX) — a platform with low fees, popular for stablecoin issuance and dApps. Demand in Asia helps TRX maintain its place in the top ten.
- USD Coin (USDC) — the second-largest stablecoin from Circle, fully backed by the dollar. Widely used by institutions and in DeFi as a reliable digital dollar.
Outlook and Expectations
As we approach the end of 2025, the cryptocurrency market is balancing between caution and hope for renewed growth. Analysts believe that a new rally requires a conjunction of several conditions: a softer macroeconomic backdrop (slowing inflation and signals for rate cuts), continued inflow of institutional investments, and strengthened trust through comprehensible regulation. If these factors materialize, the end of the year and the start of 2026 could be marked by revived trading and new highs. Otherwise, the market is likely to remain volatile and move sideways.
Currently, investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with no signs of panic selling. The interest from large players and the absence of mass panic suggest that the current correction may be temporary. Cryptocurrencies have demonstrated the ability to rebound quickly after downturns. Market participants are closely monitoring external triggers: strong economic reports, regulatory easing, or technological breakthroughs could restore bullish momentum. Thus, the end of November is passing in an atmosphere of cautious optimism: the market awaits signals from outside that will determine its direction in the coming months.
