The final full trading week of 2025 was marked by sideways price action for major cryptocurrencies, holiday liquidity droughts and a record options expiry event that may shape early 2026 dynamics.
Bitcoin traded in a relatively tight range around key support levels as holiday volume remained light. After opening the week near the high-USUS$80,000s, it briefly reclaimed levels above US$89,000 but faced resistance before settling near US$88,000 by Dec 26, reflecting investor caution amid a lack of major catalysts and thin seasonal trading.
Analysts highlighted that Bitcoin was consolidating above support above US$86,000-US$87,000, hinting at resilience even as volatility stayed elevated.
A significant market event during the week was the record‐breaking US$23 billion and options expiry for both Bitcoin and Ethereum on Deribit, which cleared a large overhang of hedged positions and could influence volatility patterns going into 2026.
Ethereum also saw muted movement, trading below the US$3,000 psychological level throughout the week. Ethereum remained range-bound as traders held positions amid limited directional conviction, and price action suggested profit-taking and seasonal caution.
While Ethereum showed modest gains at times, it failed to sustain a breakout above key resistance, leaving the token in a sideways pattern by week’s end.
Market sentiment in the broader crypto space remained subdued, with the Fear & Greed Index in the “fear” zone and overall turnover depressed as both retail and institutional players stepped back ahead of year-end.
Institutional interest in digital asset products remains a growing theme, with data showing continued demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs over the year.
Week in review: In a holiday-shortened and liquidity-thin trading week, Bitcoin held key support around the US$88,000 area while Ethereum stayed range-bound below US$3,000, setting the stage for potential volatility and directional moves as markets return to fuller participation in 2026.
