Crypto Market Update: December 15, 2025 – Mixed Movements Amid Tight Trading Range
On December 15, 2025, the cryptocurrency market showed a slight decline with the total market capitalization dropping 0.5% to $3.15 trillion. Approximately 80 of the top 100 cryptocurrencies experienced losses in the past 24 hours, including 5 of the top 10. The 24-hour trading volume stood at $94.3 billion while the fear/greed index registered a low 27, indicating prevailing cautious sentiment.
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at $89,627, down 0.5%, with critical support at $74,000. Potential downside targets include levels around $76,300 and $70,000. On the upside, resistance lies near $100,000 and the 50-week moving average close to $102,000. Ethereum (ETH) bucked the trend somewhat, rising 0.6% to $3,128.
The market remains within a tight trading range amid lower liquidity for the holiday season and a lack of strong institutional momentum. Several catalysts are awaited to push prices beyond the current consolidation phase. Despite the recent pullback, the market is not considered to be in a bear phase. Bitcoin's four-year cycle might continue or break with the potential for a renewed bull run, and volatility is expected to increase due to price compression.
In the institutional space, US Bitcoin spot ETFs observed significant inflows of $49.16 million on Friday, with total net inflows reaching $57.9 billion. BlackRock contributed $51.13 million of these inflows, while Fidelity saw outflows totaling $1.96 million. Conversely, US Ethereum ETFs faced outflows amounting to $19.41 million on December 12, though total net inflows remain positive at $13.09 billion. Within this segment, BlackRock recorded inflows of $23.25 million. Grayscale and Fidelity saw outflows of $36.52 million and $6.14 million respectively.
In regulatory news, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released new crypto custody guidance aimed at retail investors. The guidance clarifies definitions for self-managed wallets and third-party custodians and highlights the importance of understanding risks before storing digital assets.
Macro factors potentially affecting the crypto market include the Bank of Japan's planned 25 basis point rate hike on December 19, which could strengthen the yen and lead to the unwinding of carry trades, impacting crypto valuations.
Overall, December 15, 2025, presented a cautiously mixed picture for cryptocurrency markets with promising institutional interest and regulatory clarity, yet subdued price action amid awaiting stronger market catalysts.
