December 2025 extended the market’s consolidation phase as cryptocurrency prices moved sideways following November’s stabilization and October’s sharp correction. After reclaiming key psychological levels in November, Bitcoin spent most of December digesting gains rather than accelerating higher, reinforcing a cautious but constructive market tone across major assets.

Total cryptocurrency market capitalization hovered near the $3.6 trillion level throughout the month, reflecting a period of equilibrium as buyers and sellers reached a temporary balance after Q4’s heightened volatility. While early December saw pockets of renewed selling pressure, particularly in high beta altcoins, the second half of the month showed clear signs of structural normalization, with volatility compressing, funding rates cooling, and leverage continuing to reset. ETF flows remained mixed but resilient, suggesting that institutional participation did not retreat despite the lack of strong upside momentum. Instead, capital appeared selective, favoring large-cap Layer-1s and structurally strong ecosystems.

On-chain metrics reinforced this stabilization narrative. Exchange balances continued to trend lower, long-term holder supply remained elevated, and stablecoin liquidity showed steady inflows, indicating that capital was positioning rather than exiting. Overall, December functioned as a recalibration phase rather than a directional breakout month. The market transitioned from post-correction recovery into a mature consolidation environment, setting the stage for potential volatility expansion and trend continuation heading into early 2026.

December 2025 Crypto Market Report

Executive Summary

• Market Overview: $3.6 Trillion Consolidation Phase
• December Market Characteristics
• Institutional Behavior and ETF Flows
• On-Chain Metrics Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Ethereum (ETH) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

XRP (Ripple’s Native Token) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Solana (SOL) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Cardano (ADA) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Hyperliquid (HYPE) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Dogecoin (DOGE) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Shiba Inu (SHIB) Analysis

• Price Action and Chart Structure
• Momentum Indicators
• Technical Outlook
• Summary and Key Takeaways

Comparative Asset Performance Table

• Market Structure Comparison
• Support and Resistance Levels
• Momentum Bias Overview

Final Thoughts

• December Market Character Assessment
• Institutional Positioning Analysis
• Outlook for Early 2026

Market Structure Snapshot – December 2025

• Quick Reference: Key Levels Across Major Assets

Key Things to Watch in January 2026

• Critical Resistance Levels
• Breakout Triggers
• Macro and Liquidity Trends