Cryptocurrency News Overview for November 21, 2025: Bitcoin Consolidates After Correction, Ethereum Prepares for Upgrade, Altcoins Recover, Institutional Investors Expand Presence, and the Market Stabilizes.
As of the morning of November 21, 2025, the cryptocurrency market is attempting to stabilize after a sharp decline in the first half of the month. Bitcoin is trading around $90,000, having lost nearly 30% from its historical high of approximately $126,000 reached in October. Over the past month, the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has shrunk by about $1.2 trillion; however, in recent days, the decline has halted. Major altcoins are also holding key levels: Ethereum has stabilized around $3,000 amid anticipation of an important network upgrade, while the Bitcoin dominance index has fallen below 60%, reflecting the relative resilience of several altcoins. Investors and analysts are currently evaluating whether the current correction is temporary before a new surge or if the market will enter a prolonged consolidation phase.
Bitcoin After Major Correction
At the beginning of October, Bitcoin (BTC) reached a new peak of around $126,000 but then quickly entered a correction phase. Last week, Bitcoin’s price dipped to around $88,000 – the lowest level in six months, marking a drop of more than a quarter from its historical peak. As of now, BTC has recovered to the range of $90,000 - $92,000 and shows signs of stabilization. The market capitalization of Bitcoin is approximately $1.8 trillion, maintaining around 58-60% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization. Experts note that recent bearish drivers included profit-taking by investors after a prolonged rally and a tightening of rhetoric by the Federal Reserve, which hinted at maintaining high rates to curb inflation. Nevertheless, the fundamental factors for Bitcoin remain positive: institutional acceptance of the asset continues, and the upcoming halving in 2024 enhances expectations for long-term growth. Currently, Bitcoin is consolidating near the psychologically significant level of $100,000 (acting as resistance); breaking through this level could return the market to a bullish trend, while failure to hold above $90,000 may signal prolonged consolidation.
Ethereum Prepares for Major Upgrade
The second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, Ethereum (ETH), has also experienced significant volatility. Following a surge close to $5,000 in October, Ethereum has retraced approximately 35% and is now trading around $3,000. Despite the correction, Ethereum retains about 12% market share and remains the leading platform for decentralized applications and DeFi. Investors are optimistic about the upcoming network upgrade, codenamed Fusaka, scheduled for early December 2025. This hard fork is designed to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and introduce new technical solutions (in particular, technologies to accelerate layer-two operations), which should improve network efficiency and attract even more users. Discussion around the upgrade has already led to increased activity within the developer community and bolstered confidence in ETH’s long-term prospects. In recent weeks, Ethereum has displayed relative strength thanks to expectations surrounding the launch of new institutional products – the first spot ETFs for Ethereum were approved in the U.S. this fall, facilitating access to ETH for large investors. Analysts believe that the successful implementation of the December upgrade could provide Ethereum with additional momentum for recovery, especially if overall market sentiment improves.
Altcoins Seeking Growth Points
The broader altcoin market is seeking recovery following the drop in October. During the correction, many popular altcoins lost 20-30% in value; however, recent sessions have shown signs of revival. Bitcoin’s dominance has decreased from over 60% to about 58%, indicating relatively better momentum for some alternative coins. Certain high-cap tokens are demonstrating resilience: for instance, Ripple (XRP), which surged to a multi-year high of approximately $3.00 following a summer legal victory for Ripple over the SEC, has corrected to $2.1-$2.2 but remains above $2, preserving a significant portion of its gains. Binance Coin (BNB) updated its all-time high this fall (reaching about $1,375 during the October rally); currently, BNB is trading around $900 after correction, still substantially higher than at the beginning of the year. The sustained interest in BNB is attributed to the extensive Binance ecosystem and regular coin burns, reducing supply. Other market leaders also maintain solid market capitalizations: Solana (SOL) is holding around $140 after peaking at approximately $200, supported by news of a potential ETF launch and an increase in activity within its blockchain ecosystem. Smart contract platform tokens like Cardano (ADA) and TRON (TRX) have fallen more than 40% from their annual peaks but continue to rank in the top 10. The beloved meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) remains around $0.16-$0.17, indicating that even joke coins with active communities can weather periods of volatility without losing interest. Notably, several promising new projects are positioning themselves immediately behind market leaders; for example, the token of the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid (HYPE) has entered the ranks of the top market caps in 2025 due to its unique technological proposition, maintaining high value amid rumors of a new ETF launch. Likewise, altcoins with their own growth catalysts – such as Uniswap (UNI) on the wave of DeFi tool development – are attracting increased attention. Overall, while a broad "altseason" has yet to unfold, specific digital assets are showing relative strength even amid the overall market correction.
New Crypto ETFs and Institutional Interest
One of the main themes at the end of 2025 has been the expansion of tools for institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market. In the U.S., following the successful launch of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in previous months, regulators have approved the listing of the first multi-asset cryptocurrency ETF. The Bitwise fund, which received preliminary SEC approval in November, tracks an index of the 10 largest digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and other top currencies. This decision has been perceived as an important signal: the market views it as a step toward greater integration of cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system. Notably, amidst the news about ETFs, capital flows are being redistributed: according to industry reports, there was a net outflow of about $1.6 billion from Bitcoin funds in November – likely as a result of profit-taking after the previous rally – while Solana-related funds attracted approximately $26 million in new investments. This dynamic indicates a portion of investors' interest in promising altcoins and asset diversification. Institutional players continue to enter the cryptocurrency sphere: media reports indicate that several large university endowments and pension programs have increased their investments in crypto funds. In particular, it has been revealed that Harvard's fund invested approximately $440 million in a Bitcoin trust from BlackRock – this is seen as a sign of long-term confidence in BTC from conservative institutional investors. The regulatory environment for the industry is also gradually clarifying: in the U.S., new laws aimed at providing more transparent regulation of cryptocurrencies have come into effect (including initiatives on asset classification and investor protection). Experts expect that the further emergence of exchange-traded products across various crypto assets (ETFs for XRP, Ethereum layer-two tokens, etc. are in development) will depend on regulators’ readiness to recognize the utility of these projects. The expansion of the crypto ETF lineup and the influx of institutional funds strengthen the market's fundamentals, while also increasing correlation with traditional finance.
Market Sentiment and Volatility
The period of rapid growth, followed by a sharp correction, has reflected in trader sentiment. The "fear and greed" index for cryptocurrencies, which exceeded 70 points ("greed") during the peak of the October rally, fell to the "fear" zone around 30-40 points in November. This indicates a dominance of cautious sentiments: many market participants reduced risks amid falling prices. The magnitude of volatility is also confirmed by liquidation statistics: according to exchanges, during the most severe drop days (October 10-11), the total volume of forced liquidations exceeded $10-15 billion – many leveraged traders found themselves wiped out from the market. Last week, when Bitcoin temporarily fell below $100,000, the daily liquidation volume also exceeded $1 billion, especially on long positions, which intensified the downward momentum. However, after reaching a local bottom, signs of panic began to dissipate. Volatility remains elevated but has somewhat decreased compared to October's peak values. Currently, the sentiment index has risen from the deep "fear zone" closer to neutral values, reflecting a gradual return of confidence as prices stabilize. Analysts caution that sharp fluctuations are still possible in the market – for instance, in the case of unexpected macroeconomic news or regulatory developments. Nevertheless, a gradual cooling of enthusiasm and the passage of a "capitulation" phase among speculators could create a foundation for more balanced growth ahead. Past experiences show that after periods of extreme volatility, the crypto market often enters a phase of relative calm, allowing investors to regroup and assess new entry points.
Forecasts and Expectations
Despite the recent correction, many experts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook on the future of the cryptocurrency market. Analysts at Standard Chartered Bank note that the current ~30% decline in Bitcoin falls within the framework of a typical bullish market correction and is likely nearing completion. In their assessment, the current drop is already the third comparable decline since the introduction of the first spot ETFs, and each time after such retracements, the market found a new bottom and resumed its upward trajectory. The bank still considers a year-end rally scenario viable: the base forecast anticipates Bitcoin returning to an upward trend in December if macroeconomic conditions remain stable. Some market participants are also pointing to on-chain indicators suggesting a "cooling off" of sellers: short-term holders have already realized losses, and volumes on exchanges have decreased, which is typical for local bottom phases. Optimists believe that in 2026, as monetary policy eases and interest in cryptocurrencies grows in emerging markets, Bitcoin could reach new highs – targets as high as $180,000–200,000 are being discussed. More conservative forecasts expect a smooth recovery: for instance, some analysts from Wall Street suggest that the $120,000 mark could again become achievable in the second half of 2026 if no new crises arise. As for altcoins, their prospects largely depend on Bitcoin's behavior: for a full-scale "altseason" to commence, BTC needs to establish itself near its all-time highs and attract new capital inflows to the market. Meanwhile, forecasts are converging on the idea that quality projects with real-world applications – such as smart contract platforms and key infrastructure tokens – will recover faster and attract more investors than speculative coins lacking fundamental value. Given the remaining uncertainty, market participants are advised to exercise caution; however, they note: each major downturn in the past has presented long-term investors with opportunities to enter the market at more attractive prices.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of November 21, 2025, the top ten most popular cryptocurrencies by market capitalization are as follows:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC is trading around $91,000 following the recent correction, with a capitalization of approximately $1.8 trillion (around 59% of the total market). Bitcoin retains its status as “digital gold” and the foundation of the cryptocurrency market, embodying the trust of most institutional investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) – the leading altcoin and smart contract platform. ETH is priced around $3,000, which is below its recent local peaks, but Ethereum remains the second-largest crypto asset by market value at about $360 billion (~12% of the market). Thanks to its vast ecosystem of decentralized applications, Ethereum retains interest from both investors and developers.
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar 1:1. USDT is actively used for trading operations and hedging on cryptocurrency exchanges, with its market capitalization estimated at around $150 billion. The coin consistently maintains a value of $1.00 (≈₽80) per token due to reserve backing, continuing to be a key element of market liquidity.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, and the native coin of the BNB Chain blockchain. After record highs in October, the price of BNB corrected to around $900 (capitalization of approximately $140 billion), yet the token remains among the leaders. BNB is sought after for its wide-ranging use: paying exchange fees, participating in token sales, and utilizing DeFi projects on the BNB Chain.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network for cross-border transactions. XRP is trading around $2.13, with a market capitalization of about $110 billion. In the summer of 2025, XRP received legal confirmation of its status (not classified as a security in the U.S.), which restored trust and returned XRP to the upper ranks of cryptocurrency rankings.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications. SOL has a valuation of approximately $140 per coin (capitalization around $65 billion), showcasing recovery after a dip. Solana attracts investors with its high transaction speeds and recent news about a possible ETF launch based on its blockchain, highlighting growing institutional interest.
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second-largest stablecoin issued by Circle and backed by dollar reserves. USDC trades steadily at $1.00, with a market capitalization around $60 billion. Due to its transparency in reserves and partnerships with traditional financial institutions, USDC is widely used in corporate transactions and on the DeFi market, remaining a reliable "safe haven" for traders.
- TRON (TRX) – a blockchain platform for smart contracts and entertainment dApps, popular in Asia. TRX is valued at around $0.28 (capitalization ~ $27 billion). Tron has cemented its place in the top 10 largely due to the active use of its network for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on the Tron blockchain), as well as maintaining high network throughput and low transaction fees.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – the most well-known "meme cryptocurrency," created as a joke and becoming cult-like. DOGE is trading around $0.16 (capitalization ~ $24 billion). Despite its playful origins, Dogecoin maintains a loyal army of supporters and periodically experiences growth spurts due to backing from famous entrepreneurs. The volatility of DOGE remains high, but its presence in the top 10 underscores the unique community effect on the value of crypto assets.
- Cardano (ADA) – a blockchain platform developing on a scientific approach and phased upgrades. ADA is valued at around $0.47 after correcting (capitalization of approximately $16 billion). Earlier in 2025, Cardano attracted attention due to expectations surrounding an ETF launch and network upgrades; however, the current decline has returned the price to average yearly levels. Nevertheless, the project boasts an active community and scaling plans, supporting its position among the largest cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency Market on the Morning of November 21, 2025
- Major cryptocurrency prices: Bitcoin (BTC) ~$91,300; Ethereum (ETH) ~$3,010; XRP ~$2.13; BNB ~$900; Solana (SOL) ~$141; Tether (USDT) $1.00.
- Market indicators: total cryptocurrency market capitalization around $3.2 trillion; Bitcoin's share ~58%; fear and greed index – 45 (neutral/moderate fear mode).
- Daily growth leaders: Zcash (ZEC) +11% (increased interest in privacy coins amid regulation discussions); Polygon (MATIC) +4% (recovery following a network upgrade).
- Daily decline leaders: Filecoin (FIL) -6% (correction after a short-term price spike); Conflux (CFX) -5% (profit-taking amid lack of new drivers).
- Analysis: The market is showing mixed dynamics – leading coins are holding their positions, while smaller altcoins are showing divergent movements. A moderate increase in the sentiment index indicates a weakening of panic sentiments; however, selling activity remains on certain tokens without strong news triggers. Investors are closely monitoring Bitcoin in the $90,000-$100,000 range as an indicator of future market direction: a confident rise could pull the entire crypto market up, while prolonged consolidation of BTC may mean continued selective movement in altcoins in accordance with their fundamental news.
