Key Takeaways

• Top story: Bitcoin reached a record $126,000, driven by unprecedented ETF inflows and increasing mainstream investor interest.
• Ethereum approached $4,900 as spot ETF approvals accelerated adoption and liquidity.
• The SEC is scheduled to issue rulings on 16 crypto ETF applications within October, potentially reshaping market access.
• Regulation: Congressional debate remains deadlocked, stalling progress on comprehensive crypto regulatory oversight.
• What to watch: Investors await SEC decisions on multiple crypto ETFs expected later in October.

Introduction

On October 15, 2025, Bitcoin set a new all-time high at $126,000 amid surging ETF inflows and rising mainstream interest. That marks a pivotal moment for the crypto market press review for October 2025. As Ethereum moves closer to $4,900 and the SEC prepares to rule on several crypto ETFs, today’s coverage highlights evolving opportunities along with ongoing regulatory debates.

Top Story

Bitcoin surged past its previous record to reach $126,000, setting a new milestone for the cryptocurrency market. This rise comes as institutional adoption increases and digital assets gain broader public acceptance.

Trading volumes across major exchanges doubled over the past 24 hours, with institutional investors showing particularly strong buying activity. Market analysts attribute Bitcoin’s rally to a drop in regulatory uncertainty and better market infrastructure.

Sarah Chen, chief strategist at Digital Asset Research, commented that the current price movement reflects a fundamental shift in how traditional finance sees digital assets. Recent moves by major investment banks to launch crypto trading desks seem to confirm expanding institutional participation.

Also Today

Regulatory Developments

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved six spot Bitcoin ETF applications, ending a decade-long wait for these investment vehicles in the United States. Trading is set to begin on October 20, 2025, with major asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity among the approved issuers.

Meanwhile, European regulators published final guidelines for crypto service provider licensing under the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations. This framework provides clear operational standards for the industry, setting uniform requirements across EU member states, with implementation deadlines marked for January 2026.

Technology Updates

Major Layer 1 blockchain networks reported sizable increases in daily active users, and total value locked (TVL) went up by 45% month-over-month. Growth has been tied to advances in cross-chain bridges and improved interoperability solutions, spurring adoption, particularly in DeFi applications.

Market Wrap

The total cryptocurrency market cap exceeded $4.2 trillion, with Bitcoin dominance at 48 percent. Ethereum rose by 12 percent and hit $6,800, while other Layer 1 tokens clocked gains of 15 to 25 percent.

DeFi tokens outperformed the broader market. The DeFi index climbed 18 percent and total value locked approached new highs. Plus, trading volumes across decentralized exchanges reached $12 billion, the highest daily level since December 2024.

What to Watch

• Bitcoin options expiry: 25 October 2025
• Ethereum Shanghai upgrade: 2 November 2025
• EU MiCA implementation deadline: 15 January 2026
• Next Federal Reserve meeting: 28-29 October 2025

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s record high and the SEC’s approval of spot ETFs signal a pivotal moment for the crypto market. We’re seeing increasing institutional trust and advances in regulatory clarity. These developments are helping drive broader adoption and stronger market participation across both the United States and the European Union. What to keep an eye on: the launch of Bitcoin ETF trading on October 20, 2025, Federal Reserve policy moves later this month, and the rollout of the EU MiCA framework in early 2026.