This weekly crypto market update gives you a clean and actionable overview of the biggest developments that shaped the crypto markets between 2–8 December 2025.
🧭 1. Market Snapshot (as of 8 December 2025)
Bitcoin (BTC): After a sharp early-December drop that pushed BTC below $87,000, Bitcoin recovered and is holding above $91,500. Volatility remains elevated, but sentiment has improved slightly compared to last week.
Ethereum (ETH): ETH also bounced after dipping into the $2,800–$2,900 range. However, it continues to struggle to reclaim the $3,000 level, which remains a key psychological resistance zone.
Liquidations & Leverage: Nearly $1 billion in long liquidations were triggered during the downturn. Funding rates are now neutral to slightly positive, suggesting reduced leverage but not a full reset.
Market mood: Overall sentiment is cautiously neutral. Conditions are better than last week’s fear, yet still far from a full risk-on environment.
SPI takeaway: The market may be forming a temporary stabilization range. However, without fresh inflows or improved liquidity, major breakouts are unlikely.
🔟 2. Top 10 Crypto Stories This Week
1. Bitcoin Stabilizes Above $91K After Early-December Sell-Off
What happened: BTC recovered from its sharp December 1 drop, holding firm above $91K as risk markets calmed and liquidations slowed. Renewed stability follows a week of violent price swings.
Why it matters: Markets may have found a temporary floor — but this recovery lacks strong inflow support.
Most impacted: BTC, ETH
2. Nearly $1B in Leveraged Longs Liquidated During the Crash
What happened: As BTC fell below $87K, exchanges saw almost $1B in long liquidations, wiping out over-leveraged positions across BTC, ETH, SOL and high-beta altcoins.
Why it matters: Liquidation cascades are a major driver of volatility — and the market structure remains fragile.
Most impacted: BTC, ETH, SOL, high-beta alts
3. Macro Risk-Off Pressure Continues to Influence Crypto
What happened: Volatility in global bond yields, interest rate expectations, and yen carry-trade unwinding added pressure to crypto throughout the week.
Why it matters: Crypto continues to behave like a macro risk asset, not a separate ecosystem.
Most impacted: BTC, ETH, tech-correlated tokens
4. Institutions Under Pressure: BTC Treasurers Face Stress Tests
What happened: Major corporate BTC holders faced increased scrutiny due to losses from the recent dip, impacting equity markets and confidence in the “corporate BTC treasury” strategy.
Why it matters: When large holders feel pain, sentiment across the entire market shifts.
Most impacted: BTC, crypto-exposed equities
5. ETF Outflows Slow Down — Potential Early Stabilization
What happened: After weeks of net outflows, some spot BTC ETFs recorded modest inflows, signaling early signs of base-building.
Why it matters: If inflows strengthen, they could support a more sustainable recovery.
Most impacted: BTC, ETF-linked instruments
6. ETH Long-Term Outlook Strengthens Despite Short-Term Chop
What happened: Analysts note that despite short-term weakness, ETH’s long-term fundamentals remain strong due to L2 expansion and network activity.
Why it matters: ETH may be undervalued relative to fundamentals — a long-term accumulation opportunity.
Most impacted: ETH, L2 tokens
7. Altcoins See Deeper Correlation Effects — Low Liquidity Amplifies Downside
What happened: Altcoins experienced outsized drops during the BTC/ETH sell-off, with low-liquidity tokens being hit hardest.
Why it matters: Liquidity conditions in altcoins remain one of the biggest systemic risks in the market.
Most impacted: SOL, AVAX, ADA, L2s, DeFi tokens
8. Cardano Chain-Split Incident Still Haunts L1 Security Discussions
What happened: Last week’s chain split caused by an old deserialization bug continues to spark debate about L1 resilience.
Why it matters: Even top L1 networks can face hidden technical risks.
Most impacted: ADA, L1 ecosystems
9. Zero-Click Spyware Threats Remain a Top Security Concern
What happened: Ledger’s CTO reiterated warnings about device-level zero-click exploits targeting crypto users.
Why it matters: Even hardware-wallet users can be compromised if their phones or laptops are vulnerable.
Most impacted: All self-custody users
10. Coinbase Expands Regulated Altcoin Futures in the U.S.
What happened: Coinbase rolled out new regulated futures markets for multiple altcoins, including LINK, AVAX, ADA and SUI.
Why it matters: Bringing altcoin derivatives onshore provides institutions safer access to previously offshore-only markets.
Most impacted: LINK, AVAX, ADA, SUI
📉 3. ETF, Flows & Liquidity Watch
- BTC ETFs: Outflows slowing — early signs of stabilization.
- Stablecoins: Supply growth flat — no fresh liquidity yet.
- Derivatives: Funding rates neutral; leverage reduced but still present.
- Exchange volume: High during volatility, tapering during consolidation.
SPI insight: A true market bottom forms when leverage flushes, funding normalizes, and inflows return. We’ve seen the flush. Now we wait for inflows.
🛡️ 4. Security & Risk Corner
Zero-Click Attacks: The Device Is the Real Weak Point
Zero-click exploits allow attackers to compromise devices without user interaction. A compromised device can expose even hardware wallet users.
- Use a separate device for wallet management.
- Update all software frequently.
- Never store seed phrases on your phone.
🏛️ 5. Regulation & Policy Watch
- EU: MiCA enforcement gaining momentum — exchanges must comply or exit.
- US: Major crypto regulatory reforms appear delayed into 2026.
- Asia/Middle East: Regulatory-friendly hubs attract RWA and exchange growth.
📈 6. Narrative Movers This Week
- Risk-Off Narrative: Global macro conditions still dominate crypto direction.
- Stabilization Narrative: BTC holding above $91K reduces panic.
- ETH Long-Term Strength: Despite turbulence, fundamentals remain intact.
- L1 Security Debate: Cardano bug reminder impacts developer discussions.
💡 7. SPI Action Steps for Investors This Week
- 1. Avoid leverage. Market remains fragile.
- 2. Verify device security. Zero-click threats are real.
- 3. Re-assess DeFi positions. Stick to audited, liquid protocols.
- 4. Accumulate selectively. Focus on BTC, ETH, and strong L1s/L2s.
- 5. Watch flows — not headlines. Stabilization requires fresh liquidity.
For safer DeFi strategies, see:
10-Step DeFi Safety Checklist
Starting with small amounts? Read:
How to Start Earning Passive Income with Even R100
📰 8. Sources
This weekly briefing draws on Bloomberg Crypto, Reuters, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Coindesk, Economic Times and other verified market data sources — combined with SPI’s educational interpretation.
Nothing in this article is financial advice. It is educational market intelligence to help you think clearly and act safely.
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