The wider crypto market has been experiencing a broad sell-off since the start of December
The global cryptocurrency market is showing high volatility as the first week of December 2025 unfolds. The overall market capitalization stands near $3.03 trillion, reflecting the strong recovery made earlier in the year but also highlighting the intense pressure seen in recent days.
Major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, BNB, Cardano, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu, are trading mixed, with most leading assets facing declines driven largely by macroeconomic concerns and weakening investor sentiment.
Current Crypto Prices
Bitcoin (BTC) trades around $87,036, recording a moderate daily change after falling below the $85,000 level earlier. Ethereum (ETH) holds near $2,806.54, staying slightly negative for the day. XRP continues to hover at $2.02, while Solana (SOL) trades close to $127.38.
BNB, the native asset of Binance, remains strong relative to the market at $829.65, though still under pressure from the recent downturn. Cardano (ADA) trades at $0.391562, showing some resilience after a sharp dip. Dogecoin (DOGE) stays near $0.136228, and Shiba Inu (SHIB) remains around $0.000008.
These prices reflect a mixed but largely cautious market mood, with traders reacting strongly to global financial headlines and shifting risk appetite.
Market Under Pressure
The wider crypto market has been experiencing a broad sell-off since the start of December. Bitcoin’s slide below $85,000 and Ethereum’s drop under $2,900 triggered concern among traders, as both assets typically show seasonal strength during this period. The pullback signals the dominance of macroeconomic forces over crypto-specific developments.
Altcoins have not been spared. XRP, BNB, Solana, and other major tokens have registered daily losses ranging from mild to significant, and many have surrendered a large share of their gains from earlier rallies. Even highly traded memecoins such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu continue to reflect bearish sentiment as trading volumes drop and retail enthusiasm fades.
Reasons Behind the Declines
A combination of global and market-specific factors is driving the current downturn. Investor sentiment has shifted into a risk-off mode as worries about global economic stability rise. Concerns around inflation, interest-rate decisions, and weakening equity markets have pushed investors away from volatile digital assets.
Another major factor behind the latest fall is the wave of outflows from cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds. These outflows reduce liquidity, weaken market depth, and make large price swings more likely. At the same time, liquidation of leveraged positions has intensified the selling pressure. More than $470 million worth of long positions were liquidated during the most recent slide, adding to the speed and severity of the drop.
Monetary policy uncertainty remains another key driver. Central banks around the world are still sending mixed signals about interest rates, and any indication of a hawkish stance tends to hit crypto markets quickly. With global financial conditions tightening, speculative assets are among the hardest hit.
Performance of Major Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin and Ethereum Soften After Recent Highs
Bitcoin’s fall below $85,000 signals rising anxiety even among long-term holders. The decline follows its strong performance earlier in the year, when institutional buying and ETF demand pushed the asset upward. Ethereum, meanwhile, slipped under $2,900, reflecting concerns about liquidity, regulatory uncertainty, and slowing activity in the decentralized finance ecosystem.
Altcoins Feel Sharper Pressure
XRP’s price at $2.02 shows stability compared to some other altcoins, though it remains under noticeable pressure. Solana at $127.38 reflects a downturn after a strong performance throughout 2025. BNB’s position near $829.65 demonstrates the continued strength of the Binance ecosystem, but the token remains affected by the market’s overall negative trend.
Cardano, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu Remain Subdued
Cardano at $0.391562 shows signs of attempting to stabilize, though the asset remains far below its earlier peaks. Dogecoin at $0.136228 and Shiba Inu at $0.000008 continue to trade sideways, influenced heavily by wider market movements rather than their own development activity. These memecoins often experience sharper swings during high-volatility periods, and the current market conditions have kept them in a muted phase.
Market Sentiment and Investor Behaviour
Market sentiment has turned sharply bearish, with fear growing among both small and large investors. Social-media conversations and institutional reports indicate hesitation and uncertainty. Some analysts believe the fall offers long-term buying opportunities, especially for Bitcoin and Ethereum, but the overall mood remains cautious.
On the other hand, some sections of the market see the possibility of deeper declines. With global economic conditions strained and liquidity thinning, there is speculation that Bitcoin could revisit levels near $60,000 if conditions worsen. Altcoins could follow with even sharper moves due to their lower market depth and higher volatility.
What Lies Ahead
The short-term direction of the crypto market will likely depend on a few important factors. The first is the upcoming interest-rate decisions by major global central banks. Any sign of tightening could push crypto prices down further. The second factor is ETF flow behaviour, which has become a major influence in daily price movements. A return of institutional inflows could stabilize or even lift the market.
Liquidity in the crypto market also remains an important concern. Reduced market depth increases price sensitivity, making sudden drops or spikes more likely. Regulatory news, geopolitical developments, and large market announcements could also play a major role in shaping prices across major cryptocurrencies.
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