The cryptocurrency markets are experiencing ongoing volatility, as Bitcoin has fallen below $88,000 after a brief return to the $90,000 level. Ethereum followed suit, dipping below the $3,000 mark. The global market capitalisation currently stands at approximately $3.06 trillion, with the Fear & Greed Index at 29, indicating a state of market fear. Analysts believe that the macroeconomic sentiment for the crypto markets remains closely tethered to the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Disinflation is advancing, though at a more gradual rate, which is tempering hopes for a swift or substantial rate reduction. In the meantime, gold and silver have surged to record highs, driven by speculation around rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, highlighting an increased demand for hedging strategies.
As of this moment, Bitcoin is priced at $87,494, reflecting a decline of 1.39 percent in the last 24 hours, accompanied by a trading volume of $36.76 billion. The token experienced volatility, trading within a range of $87,580 to $90,501 throughout the session, as reported. Ethereum is currently experiencing significant selling pressure, trading at $2,966, which is a 2 percent decline, alongside a 24-hour trading volume of $19.06 billion. ETH traded within a session range of $2,965 to $3,073. Riya Sehgal states that the market sentiment continues to hinge on data. “A softer US GDP print could reignite liquidity optimism heading into early 2026.” Until then, the cryptocurrency market is expected to mirror equities, undergoing a consolidation phase following ETF-driven inflows and a mid-quarter correction.
“Momentum recovery will need decisive closes above $89,500 for Bitcoin and $3,080 for Ether,” Sehgal stated. She further noted that the 200-period moving average near $91,000 serves as key resistance, while $85,500 marks structural support for Bitcoin. Ether is experiencing a comparable compression between the $2,950 support level and the $3,080 resistance level, reflecting Bitcoin’s trajectory. Ryan Lee anticipates that Bitcoin and Ethereum will sustain their upward momentum in the near term, aligning with seasonal trends and broader equity rebounds that have historically bolstered digital assets following periods of consolidation. “For the holiday period, we anticipate Bitcoin trading in the $86,000 to $93,000 range and Ethereum between $2,800 and $3,200, supported by returning institutional inflows and potential regulatory clarity,” said Lee.
In examining the wider market catalysts, Lee pointed out that ETF approvals or unforeseen macroeconomic developments could either enhance gains or trigger short-term volatility. “Geopolitical tensions or sudden liquidity shifts remain risks, but overall, this setup favors growth in crypto markets, further reinforcing the integration between traditional finance and digital assets as we approach the close of 2025,” stated Lee. In other developments, Tom Lee’s Bitmine has secured 98,852 ETH over the past week, raising its cumulative holdings to 4,066,062 ETH. Meanwhile, Trump Media has increased its Bitcoin stash by 451 BTC, now totaling 11,542 BTC, as reported. In the latest development, Strategy has increased its USD reserve to $2.19 billion, although there were no new Bitcoin acquisitions reported last week. Aster is poised to launch a Stage 5 buyback program on December 23, allocating as much as 80 percent of its daily platform fees for both automatic and discretionary ASTER buybacks. In a significant development, pro-crypto advocate Michael Selig has officially taken office as the new chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.