Current Cryptocurrency News for Sunday, September 14, 2025: Bitcoin Holds Near Record Levels, Ethereum and Altcoins Strengthen Gains, Ripple Wins Against SEC, Tether Launches New Stablecoin. A Review of the Top-10 Cryptocurrencies for Investors.
Market on the Rise: Bitcoin Breaks Records
The cryptocurrency market continues its confident growth. The price of Bitcoin over the weekend is holding around $115–116k, close to its historical maximum (approximately $124.5k, reached in mid-July). For the first time since August, Bitcoin has surpassed the $116k mark but has since corrected, remaining at historically high levels. The total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies has again exceeded $4 trillion, reflecting a capital influx into the market.
Investors are displaying an increased appetite for risk. The Fear and Greed Index for cryptocurrencies has returned to the greed zone, rising to approximately 57 points (up from neutral ~50 points a week earlier). This indicates a predominance of optimistic sentiment: more market participants anticipate the continuation of the rally. Meanwhile, some traders are taking profits ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting in mid-September, wary of volatility due to potential signals from regulators regarding interest rates. However, the overall sentiment in the crypto market remains positive: Bitcoin has gained over 30% since the beginning of the year, outpacing the major stock indices and even gold.
Ethereum Approaches Historical Highs
Following Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization – is also strengthening. The price of Ethereum has climbed above $4,500, which is only about ~8% below the record set in late 2021 (~$4,900). Currently, Ethereum is trading around $4.5k, demonstrating growth on the wave of the overall market rally. The active growth of ETH is attributed to the heightened demand for altcoins and the steady development of its decentralized finance ecosystem. After Ethereum transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake model and implemented fee-burning mechanisms, the supply of ETH is growing at a slower rate, further supporting long-term price growth.
Among other market leaders, Binance Coin (BNB) stands out. The token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance reached a historic high this week, surpassing $900 for the first time. Currently, BNB is trading around $925, up ~2% over the day and more than 10% over the month. The growth of BNB is attributed to high activity on the Binance exchange and the expansion of the BNB Chain ecosystem. Many investors view BNB as a gauge of trust in the leading trading platform, and its new highs reflect the overall interest in the industry.
XRP Ranks Third Following Ripple's Victory
In light of regulatory successes, the position of XRP – the token of Ripple – has significantly strengthened. XRP is now among the top three cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. In August, Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concluded a years-long legal dispute, opting not to pursue further appeals. This legal battle was one of the most high-profile in the industry, and its resolution lifted a considerable amount of uncertainty surrounding XRP. Following the news, XRP's price surged approximately 12% within 24 hours, reaching $3.30 – its highest level in the past seven years. Currently, XRP is trading between $3.10 and $3.20, which is only about ~15% lower than the historical record of $3.84 set in January 2018.
Thanks to Ripple's legal victory, the XRP token has experienced a revival. XRP's market capitalization is now nearly $200 billion, securing its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency (after Bitcoin and Ethereum). Trading volumes and open interest in XRP futures have significantly increased, with investors once again actively engaging with this asset. Many analysts view XRP's future positively: for instance, Standard Chartered Bank forecasts an increase in XRP's price to $5.50 by year-end if the industry develops favorably. Ripple's success has also bolstered market confidence that major altcoins can coexist with regulators, benefiting the entire cryptocurrency market.
Solana: Institutional Interest Fuels Growth
Among high-tech altcoins, Solana (SOL) is garnering special attention. Over the past month, SOL's price has risen about 20%, reaching $239 – its highest since January of this year. Solana is known for its fast blockchain network, and now not only retail investors but also companies are showing interest. In September, it became known that a number of institutional players are forming long-term reserves in SOL. Market data shows that 8 companies from various countries have announced the inclusion of Solana in their digital reserves, collectively accumulating around 6.5 million SOL (approximately $1.5 billion).
A case in point is American firm Forward Industries, which recently attracted $1.65 billion in investments and announced plans to become a public asset management company for Solana. Shares of Forward Industries on Nasdaq surged more than 130% in recent days following the announcement of the strategy, underscoring investor interest in Solana. Experts note that such large purchases of individual altcoins enhance their growth, although they do not automatically signal the onset of a full-fledged "alt season." Unlike previous years, the influx of capital into Solana and other promising tokens is primarily driven by new investments rather than a reallocation of funds from Bitcoin. Nonetheless, the rally in Solana has bolstered investor confidence that there is life in the market beyond the two largest coins.
In general, the broader altcoin market is demonstrating positive dynamics. Many coins in the top 20 have risen 5–10% over the past week. For example, the meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) has increased by 10% in just the last 24 hours, reaching $0.29, confirming sustained interest in riskier assets. The growth has also encompassed other projects – from smart contract platforms to DeFi protocols – indicating a strengthening of investor trust in second-tier cryptocurrencies.
New Stablecoins and Market Regulation
The ongoing rally in the market is taking place against the backdrop of progress in regulating the crypto industry. A key event of the week is the launch by Tether of a new stablecoin designed specifically for the U.S. market. The issuer of the world's largest stablecoin, USDT, announced the release of the USAT token – a digital equivalent of the dollar, developed in full compliance with the recently enacted GENIUS Act governing the issuance of stablecoins in the U.S. The issuance of USAT will take place through American custodian bank Anchorage, with reserves managed by financial giant Cantor Fitzgerald. Essentially, Tether is entering the legal U.S. market, offering local companies and institutions a stable digital currency fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
The stablecoin market is undergoing a maturing phase: the cumulative market capitalization of dollar-pegged stablecoins exceeds $230 billion (USDT over $160 billion, followed by USDC at approximately $70 billion). Regulators worldwide are intensifying their focus on this sphere, acknowledging its importance to the financial system. In the United States, oversight rules for stable tokens are being discussed, and the launch of USAT demonstrates major players' willingness to operate within the legal framework. In Europe, comprehensive MiCA regulation is on the way, set to introduce strict requirements for stablecoin issuers starting in 2024. Similar legal frameworks are also being established in the CIS countries: for instance, in September, the parliament of Kyrgyzstan adopted a law on virtual assets that defines the status of cryptocurrencies and tokens in the country. Overall, the strengthening of regulation is viewed positively by investors – transparent rules reduce risks and attract new institutional participants to the cryptocurrency market.
Institutional Investments: Inflows in ETFs and Gemini's Market Debut
One of the engines of the current growth is the influx of institutional money. Over the past week, Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. attracted approximately $1.7 billion in new capital, according to management company data. Just on September 11, the net inflow of funds into spot Bitcoin ETFs amounted to a record $550+ million. Major investment funds are increasing their stakes in crypto funds amid expectations for further industry growth. A similar trend is observed with Ethereum: funds focusing on ETH have garnered around $230 million over the same period. The rise in ETF investments indicates that cryptocurrencies are increasingly recognized as a legitimate asset class among traditional investors.
Companies are also continuing to invest directly in cryptocurrencies. Exactly five years ago, in August of 2020, the corporation MicroStrategy (now renamed Strategy) became the first public company to acquire Bitcoin on its balance sheet. Now Strategy holds 628,000 BTC (almost 3% of all Bitcoin), and its example has inspired dozens of other firms. Analysts estimate that around 35 companies worldwide had collectively purchased over $100 billion in crypto assets by 2025, including not only Bitcoin but also Ethereum, BNB, Solana, Tron, and other altcoins. This institutional trend supports the market: the constant demand from corporations reduces the available supply of coins.
The cryptocurrency industry is also integrating with traditional financial markets through the stock market. This week, it was reported that the American cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins, plans to conduct an IPO. The company's valuation ahead of the IPO is approximately $3.3 billion, with Nasdaq acting as its placement partner. Earlier this year, several crypto-focused companies (from mining firms to Web3 startups) debuted on the stock market, and Gemini's move further confirms traditional capital's interest in the crypto sector. The entry of crypto businesses onto stock exchanges enhances industry transparency and attracts new investors who previously avoided working directly with digital assets.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – ~$115,000. The first and largest cryptocurrency, dominating the market (approximately 60% market cap share). Over the past year, Bitcoin has significantly increased in price, consolidating around historical highs. Investors value BTC as "digital gold" and a hedge against inflation, with institutional interest (ETFs, corporate purchases) supporting the limited supply of coins.
- Ethereum (ETH) – ~$4,500. The largest altcoin and smart contract platform underpinning most DeFi and NFT projects. Ethereum is demonstrating confident growth thanks to network upgrades (transition to Proof-of-Stake) and reduced issuance. The current ETH price is close to the 2021 highs, reflecting high demand for its blockchain services.
- XRP (XRP) – ~$3.20. The token of the Ripple payment platform designed for fast interbank transactions. XRP sharply appreciated after Ripple's legal victory over the SEC and is now the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Interest in XRP is supported by the prospects of widespread application of RippleNet technology in traditional finance.
- Tether (USDT) – ~$1.00. The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. USDT plays a key role in the crypto economy, providing investors with convenience for entering and exiting volatile assets. The market cap of Tether exceeds $160 billion. Recently, the issuer launched a new regulated stablecoin for the U.S. (USAT), reflecting the company's commitment to complying with regulatory requirements.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – ~$925. The token of the Binance ecosystem, used to pay fees and services on the largest cryptocurrency exchange. BNB reached a new historic high amid increasing trading volumes and the expansion of Binance Smart Chain. Investors perceive BNB as a success stock for Binance: the coin has increased hundreds of times since its launch and continues to rank in the top 5 by market capitalization.
- Solana (SOL) – ~$240. The Solana blockchain is known for its high transaction speeds and low fees, attracting numerous DeFi and NFT projects. SOL is steadily appreciating, especially with large players starting to include this coin in their reserves. Although the price of Solana is still below record highs of $294 reached in January, investors see it as one of the main contenders for the role of "new Ethereum" due to the network's scalability.
- USD Coin (USDC) – ~$1.00. The second-largest stablecoin released by Circle in partnership with Coinbase. USDC is fully backed by reserves in verified bank assets and regulated in the U.S., making it appealing to conservative market participants. The market cap of USDC is around $72 billion. While USDC lags behind USDT in issuance volume, many investors trust it due to its transparency and compliance with regulations.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – ~$0.29. A popular meme token originally created as a joke but gaining wide recognition due to community support and endorsements from individual celebrities. DOGE remains one of the most liquid altcoins, with a market capitalization of around $40 billion. During bullish markets, Dogecoin once again attracts speculative capital, exhibiting double-digit percentage growth. Investors from the CIS are also actively interested in DOGE due to its media presence.
- Cardano (ADA) – ~$0.94. The cryptocurrency of the Cardano platform, developed based on academic research and a rigorous approach to coding. ADA is among the top ten coins with a market cap of approximately $33 billion. In 2025, Cardano received updates that enhanced network speed and interoperability with other blockchains, attracting developers. The ADA price is gradually recovering from last year’s decline, reflecting investor confidence in the project's long-term plans.
- Tron (TRX) – ~$0.15. The cryptocurrency and blockchain platform Tron focuses on entertainment and decentralized content. TRX consistently holds among market leaders, with a market cap of around $15 billion. Tron is known for its active founder and the significant issuance of stablecoins (USDT on the Tron network is popular due to low fees). The project continues to expand partnerships in Asia, supporting demand for TRX.
What This Means for Investors
The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies in recent weeks signals a return of the "bull" trend in the market. Long-term oriented investors see confirmation of the fundamental value of digital assets and their growing acceptance. Nevertheless, experts advise maintaining a balanced approach. Volatility in the crypto market remains high: just in the last 24 hours, exchanges liquidated margin positions exceeding $300 million, primarily among traders betting against the rise. This serves as a reminder of the risks of excessive leverage and the need for sound capital management.
For investors in the CIS, the current situation presents opportunities for profit but requires discipline. It is advisable to diversify investments among several leading crypto assets while assessing their real-world applications and resilience to market shocks. In an environment where regulators are increasingly establishing the rules of the game, preference should be given to projects with a transparent reputation and institutional support. In the near term, the market will closely watch the decisions of the Federal Reserve and other macroeconomic factors that may impact risk appetite.
Overall, the sentiment in the cryptocurrency market is currently positive: investors are returning after a prolonged "crypto winter," and the emergence of new products (ETFs, stablecoins) and legal victories for the industry instill additional confidence. If external conditions remain favorable, cryptocurrencies have the potential to build on their current success. However, maintaining a balance between greed and caution is the best approach: as experience shows, the most successful investors are those who calmly adhere to their strategies, not succumbing to excessive market euphoria.
