Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin reached a record high above $87,000 on 26 November 2025, supported by a rally in tech stocks and increased interest in tokenized assets.
• Today’s Press Review highlights major developments in digital asset regulation and strategies investors use to manage risk in volatile markets.
• Top story: Bitcoin surpasses $87,000 as gains in tech stocks drive renewed momentum in the crypto sector.
• Nasdaq has submitted a formal request to the SEC to enable trading in tokenized securities.
• Stablecoin market capitalizations are rising as more investors seek protection from price volatility.
• Ethereum crosses $2,863, indicating a strong recovery and renewed activity in its ecosystem.

Introduction

On 26 November 2025, Bitcoin surged past $87,000 as a rally in tech stocks fueled new momentum across crypto markets. Nasdaq’s SEC filing for tokenized securities trading underlines a shift toward digital assets and evolving regulations. This Press Review examines how investors are adapting to volatility and the innovations shaping crypto’s broader landscape.

Top Story

Bitcoin Surges Above $87,000 as Tech Stocks Propel Crypto Markets

Bitcoin’s value soared above $87,000, setting a new record on 26 November 2025. This increase was driven by a wider rally in technology stocks, which spilled over into digital asset markets. The growth reflects increasing confidence in cryptocurrencies as mainstream finance explores new digital opportunities.

Analysts stated that the rise was also influenced by growing interest in tokenized assets, supported by both institutional and retail investors. Market participants noted broader optimism following recent regulatory developments and investment inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The momentum places further focus on the evolving relationship between traditional equities and major cryptocurrencies, as well as the growing role of regulation in shaping future trends.

Also Today

Crypto Market Developments

Bitcoin ETF Inflows Reach $2.3 Billion in November

Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $2.3 billion in net inflows during November — the strongest monthly performance since their launch in January. BlackRock’s IBIT fund led inflows with $1.1 billion, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC at $740 million.

The surge arrives alongside Bitcoin’s 17% recovery from October lows, with trading levels above $91,000 for the first time since early October. Institutional adoption is accelerating as traditional finance increasingly adopts digital assets.

Market analysts attribute these inflows to heightened institutional confidence after the latest post-halving difficulty adjustment and reduced market volatility. There has also been a significant increase in retail activity, with wallet addresses holding at least 0.1 BTC reaching an all-time high.

SEC Approves First DeFi Index Fund for Accredited Investors

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved Bitwise’s application for the first DeFi index fund for accredited investors in the United States. The Bitwise DeFi Select 15 Index Fund will track leading decentralized finance protocols such as Uniswap, Aave, and Compound.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler stated that the approval includes “specific disclosures and investor protections” to address sector-specific risks. This move is considered a significant regulatory milestone for decentralized finance, which has often operated in a gray area.

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley said the fund will accept investments from December with a minimum commitment of $50,000. The approval followed a nine-month application process involving close collaboration with regulators to ensure compliance.

Blockchain Adoption

Microsoft Integrates Blockchain Verification into Office 365

Microsoft announced plans to introduce blockchain verification features within Office 365, allowing users to authenticate documents and establish tamper-proof audit trails. The new feature will leverage Ethereum and Polygon networks to store cryptographic proofs without disclosing sensitive content.

Enterprise users will be able to verify document authenticity, track revision histories, and create legally binding signatures directly within Office applications. Microsoft emphasized that these changes aim to reduce document fraud while complying with data privacy regulations.

Sarah Chen, head of blockchain initiatives at Microsoft, stated that this is “a practical application of blockchain technology that solves real business problems.” The rollout begins for enterprise customers in January 2026, with broader availability expected by March.

European Central Bank Begins Digital Euro Pilot with Major Banks

The European Central Bank has started the live pilot phase of its digital euro project, collaborating with five major European banks including BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Santander. Over a six-month period, the pilot will test real-world applications of the central bank digital currency across France, Germany, and Spain.

Test scenarios include point-of-sale transactions, e-commerce purchases, and peer-to-peer transfers. The ECB has implemented a “tiered privacy” model to guarantee anonymity for small payments and maintain oversight for larger transactions.

ECB Executive Board member Fabio Panetta stated that the pilot is “a crucial step toward a digital currency that preserves the public good characteristics of money while adapting to the digital age.” Evaluation results are expected by July 2026, which could lead to broader implementation.

Market Wrap

Crypto Markets Gain as Traditional Indices Decline

Major cryptocurrencies advanced on Wednesday as traditional equities dipped. Bitcoin climbed 3.2% to $91,450, while Ethereum rose 2.7% to $3,340. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by 2.9% to $2.1 trillion.

By contrast, the S&P 500 dropped 0.7% and the Nasdaq composite fell 1.1%, impacted by inflation concerns and mixed retail earnings reports. This development marked a notable inverse movement between crypto and traditional assets, diverging from patterns seen earlier in 2025.

The DeFi sector outperformed the overall crypto market with a 4.5% gain, buoyed by the recent SEC index fund approval. Gaming and metaverse tokens showed mixed results, with Axie Infinity down 2.3% and The Sandbox up 5.7% following partnership announcements.

What to Watch

• Nvidia’s Quantum Computing division will host its first developer conference on 3 December 2025, featuring anticipated announcements on simulation software and developer tools.
• The Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision is scheduled for 10 December 2025, with markets currently estimating a 62% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut.
• Circle plans to release its updated USDC protocol on 12 December 2025, improving cross-chain capabilities and reducing gas costs.
• Consensys will launch MetaMask Institutional 2.0 on 15 December 2025, bringing new compliance features tailored for banks and asset managers.
• The deadline for cryptocurrency exchanges in the European Union to implement new travel rule compliance measures is 10 January 2026.

Conclusion

Nvidia’s introduction of a quantum computing division marks a significant investment in emerging technology as both financial and crypto markets adapt to new dynamics. Recent regulatory advances in DeFi and blockchain adoption highlight a growing acceptance of digital assets and practical uses beyond speculation. What to watch: Nvidia’s developer conference on 3 December 2025, the Federal Reserve’s rate decision on 10 December 2025, and pending compliance deadlines that could shape crypto adoption and market structure into early 2026.