TLDR
- Bitcoin historically averages 79% returns in Q4 and closed Q3 2025 at $114,000
- Crypto ETFs attracted over $18 billion in combined inflows during the third quarter
- Federal Reserve rate cuts pushed interest rates to three-year lows
- Ethereum surged 66.7% in Q3, hitting new all-time highs near $5,000
- Public companies now hold more than 5% of bitcoin’s circulating supply
The cryptocurrency market entered the fourth quarter of 2025 with strong momentum. Bitcoin closed the third quarter at $114,000, marking an 8% gain for the period.
Historical data shows bitcoin has averaged 79% returns during Q4 since 2013. This pattern makes the final quarter one of the strongest performing periods for the leading cryptocurrency.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to their lowest level in nearly three years. These rate cuts typically encourage investment in risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Institutional investors responded by increasing their crypto allocations throughout Q3.
U.S. spot bitcoin and ethereum exchange-traded funds recorded combined inflows exceeding $18 billion during the quarter. This represents one of the largest quarterly inflow periods since these products launched.
Public companies expanded their crypto holdings throughout Q3. These firms now control more than 5% of bitcoin’s total circulating supply. Over 50 publicly traded companies hold altcoins on their balance sheets, with 40 of them adding these assets during the third quarter alone.
Ethereum Reaches New Heights
Ethereum posted a 66.7% gain in Q3 2025. The cryptocurrency reached a new all-time high near $5,000 during the quarter.
Treasury accumulation by public companies and ETF inflows drove much of ethereum’s price appreciation. The network’s scheduled Fusaka upgrade in November aims to improve scalability and efficiency.
Altcoins Show Broad Market Strength
Solana gained 35% during Q3. The blockchain attracted large corporate purchases and recorded high ecosystem revenue. New exchange-traded products launched for Solana, and developers are working on the Alpenglow upgrade.
XRP delivered a 37% year-to-date gain. The Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple withdrew their appeals in their multi-year legal dispute. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin continues expanding globally.
Cardano rose 41.1% in Q3, outperforming several competing blockchains. The network showed growth in stablecoin usage and decentralized exchange activity. Regulators are reviewing a potential spot Cardano ETF application.
Bitcoin’s price movement came largely from treasury adoption among public companies. These firms continue accumulating bitcoin as a treasury asset.
Ethereum’s November Fusaka upgrade focuses on improving network scalability for decentralized finance applications. Solana’s Alpenglow upgrade aims to enhance performance for decentralized applications.
Regulators are reviewing generic listing standards for cryptocurrency ETFs. Multi-asset and staking-based exchange-traded products could launch in coming months if approved.
Q3 2025 marked one of the strongest quarters for institutional crypto adoption. Bitcoin and ethereum ETF inflows reached historic levels while public company holdings expanded across multiple cryptocurrencies.
