Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (December 12) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin and Ether price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$92,265, down by 2.2 percent over 24 hours.
Bitcoin price performance, December 12, 2025.
Chart via TradingView
Bitcoin extends its bullish tone this week as markets absorbed the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut and risk sentiment improved across global assets.
US equities returned to all-time highs on Thursday (December 11). The Fed has now cut interest rates three times in three months, bringing the target range down to 3.50–3.75 percent as of the December 10 decision.
Bitcoin has responded in kind. After slipping sharply in the immediate aftermath of the Fed’s latest cut, the cryptocurrency rebounded on Friday, rising more than 2 percent over the past 24 hours to trade above US$92,000. The bounce kept BTC within the upward-sloping channel that has formed since the early-October correction.
Santiment noted that all three rate cuts since September have triggered similar intraday pullbacks in Bitcoin, followed by stabilizing rebounds once volatility eased. According to the firm, the latest episode appears consistent with that historical behavior, suggesting that traders are still recalibrating expectations under looser monetary policy.
Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,243.92, up by 1 percent over the last 24 hours.
Altcoin price update
XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2.03, up by 1.6 percent over 24 hours.
Solana (SOL) was trading at US$138, up by 1.8 percent over 24 hours.
Fear and Greed Index snapshot
Chart via CoinMarketCap.
CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index continues to hold firm in fear territory, remaining firmly risk-averse on Friday and STAYING at 29 for a second consecutive day.
Despite Bitcoin’s recent upward trend and stabilization at the US$92,000 mark, investors continue to exercise caution after a volatile fourth quarter and reinforcing the view that traders remain reluctant to take on aggressive positions despite improved liquidity conditions elsewhere.
Today’s crypto news to know
Fed signals pause after third straight rate cut
Federal Reserve officials lowered interest rates for the third consecutive meeting, cutting the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range of 3.5 to 3.75 percent, its lowest level in three years.
The vote also revealed rare division inside the central bank, with three officials dissenting—two saying the cut was unnecessary and one pushing for a larger reduction.
Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed is now positioned to hold a “wait and see” mode for the foreseeable future.
Powell also noted that adjusted job-growth figures may have been slightly negative since April. He also defended the timing of the cut, saying waiting for data delayed by the government shutdown would have created avoidable risks.
After the decision, the Dow posted its strongest reaction to a Fed announcement in two years.
Treasury’s Bessent prepares policy shift on crypto regulation
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is preparing a major policy letter that would redirect the Financial Stability Oversight Council away from its post-2008 focus on tightening rules and toward reevaluating whether existing regulations hinder growth.
The draft letter, obtained by CNBC, says FSOC will begin assessing whether certain oversight measures “impose undue burdens” that may actually undermine stability by limiting innovation.
The FSOC, originally created to prevent another financial collapse, coordinates oversight between the Fed, SEC, CFTC and other agencies.
If finalized, the policy would empower agencies to roll back or revise rules that are deemed outdated or overly restrictive.
Pakistan clears Binance and HTX to begin licensing process
Pakistan has granted initial clearance for Binance and HTX to set up local subsidiaries and begin preparing applications for full digital-asset exchange licences.
The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority issued “no objection certificates” after reviewing each platform’s governance, compliance structures, and risk controls, though the approvals stop short of permitting trading activity.
The NOCs also allow both companies to register on Pakistan’s anti-money-laundering system and begin establishing regulated local entities ahead of a forthcoming licensing regime.
PVARA Chair Bilal bin Saqib said the phased model will admit only platforms that meet strict global standards on anti-money-laundering and counter-terror financing.
Pakistan, one of the world’s largest crypto markets by retail activity, is simultaneously developing a Virtual Assets Act, while coordinating with US-based World Liberty Financial on digital-infrastructure proposals.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.