Tuesday, January, 21, 2025

Crypto Market Faces Major Turmoil as Bitcoin and Altcoins Plunge

Bitcoin and major altcoins like XRP, ADA, and DOGE drop sharply, with Bitcoin falling 9%. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index hits "extreme fear," and over $1 billion in liquidations occur. Fears of a global tariff war intensify the sell-off, though analysts hope U.S. crypto disclosures may spark a recovery.
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Zagham Abbas

Zagham is a renowned crypto journalist known for his insightful analysis and in-depth reporting on the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Bitcoin and major altcoins, including XRP, ADA, and DOGE, are experiencing significant losses, with Bitcoin falling over 9% and some altcoins down by as much as 14%.
  • The Crypto Fear & Greed Index drops to extreme fear, reflecting widespread panic. Over $1 billion in crypto positions are liquidated, which adds to market volatility.
  • Growing fears of a global tariff war, described as an “economic nuclear war” by Bill Ackman, are triggering a broad market sell-off.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a sharp downturn, as Bitcoin and altcoins face significant losses, leaving investors on edge. A wave of fear has gripped the market, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index plunging into “extreme fear” territory. This drastic shift in sentiment has sent shockwaves through the market, wiping billions off the market cap overnight. Traders are now scrambling to make sense of the rapid market movements and brace for potential further declines.

The ongoing sell-off largely triggers growing concerns over a potential global tariff war, which rattles markets across the board. Renowned investor Bill Ackman described the rising trade tensions as an “economic nuclear war,” underlining the global scale of the uncertainty.

This has had a direct and profound impact on the cryptocurrency space. Bitcoin has fallen by more than 9%, while major altcoins like XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin (DOGE) have seen their prices plunge by up to 14%. As of Monday morning, these cryptocurrencies have dropped below key support levels, signaling a concerning outlook for the week.

Crypto Fear & Greed Index Shows Extreme Fear in the Market

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index, a widely used tool for gauging investor sentiment, has fallen to an alarming level of 17, indicating extreme fear in the market. Bitcoin’s price has dropped to $75,000, pushing the total cryptocurrency market capitalization down by nearly 10%, bringing it to $2.4 trillion. Berachain, one of the lesser-known tokens, led the decline with a staggering 21% drop, reaching a record low of $4.6.

This represents a more than 50% fall from its peak. Major tokens like AAVE, Litecoin, and Lido DAO lose over 15% in value.

The sharp market downturn triggers widespread liquidations, closing out over $1 billion in crypto positions as prices plummet. Bitcoin and Ethereum were the hardest-hit assets, accounting for a combined $638 million in liquidations.

Moreover, the market crash affects more than 324,000 traders, including one unfortunate Bitfinex user who loses a staggering $23 million. This level of liquidation further intensifies the downward pressure on the market. It raises concerns about the broader impact on investor confidence.

Crypto Market Volatility and Weekend Liquidity Impact

According to Charlie Sherry, a market analyst at BTC Markets, the drop in prices isn’t entirely surprising given the low liquidity in the market during weekends. He points out that the lack of market depth on Sundays makes the crypto market more susceptible to sudden price drops. A few large sales can have a disproportionately large impact on prices. While this may explain some of the recent volatility, it doesn’t alleviate the broader concerns about the market’s direction.

Despite the current market chaos, there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Edul Patel, co-founder and CEO of Mudrex, believes that a potential relief rally could emerge in response to an upcoming event. U.S. federal agencies are expected to disclose their crypto holdings later today, which could offer valuable insights into the government’s digital asset exposure. Patel suggests that a strong disclosure could spark investor optimism, providing a much-needed boost to the market’s sentiment.

A White House official confirmed that federal agencies are required to submit their Bitcoin and cryptocurrency holdings to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent by Monday. These disclosures could help provide more transparency in the market, potentially easing investor fears and boosting confidence in the crypto space.

Related | Bitcoin Bounces Back as Investors Pour 8.2 Billion Into Crypto

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