Why Is Crypto Down Today? – December 15, 2025

As a new week starts, the crypto market is experiencing a downturn today, with the total cryptocurrency market capitalization decreasing by 0.5% to $3.15 trillion. About 80 out of the top 100 cryptocurrencies have seen their values decline over the last 24 hours. Additionally, the overall crypto trading volume has dropped to $94.3 billion, significantly lower than what we have seen in the past month.

Key Takeaways

The cryptocurrency market capitalization is down by 0.5%, now totaling $3.15 trillion.
Around 80 of the top 100 cryptocurrencies have decreased in value.
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $89,627, while Ethereum (ETH) is at $3,128.
Market sentiment remains fearful, awaiting macroeconomic developments, especially the upcoming rate increase by the Bank of Japan.

Why Is Crypto Down Today

Crypto Winners & Losers

As of now, five of the top ten cryptocurrencies by market capitalization have seen their prices decline in the past 24 hours, while three have increased (excluding the stablecoins).

Bitcoin (BTC) has decreased by 0.5%, currently priced at $89,627, marking the least drop among the main cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum (ETH), on the other hand, is up by 0.6%, trading at $3,128.
The largest drop in value is observed in Dogecoin (DOGE), which has fallen by 1.5% to $0.1362.
XRP follows with a decrease of 1.2%, now at $1.99.
In contrast, Tron (TRX) stands out as the best performer in the top category, rising 2.5% to $0.2816.

Among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, 80 have experienced declines in the past day.

The biggest drop was recorded by MemeCore (M), which fell 6.1% to a price of $1.7.
This was followed by Midnight (NIGHT), down 5.1% to $0.06792.
On the brighter side, two cryptocurrencies saw double-digit increases: Rain (RAIN) rose by 11.6% to $0.007968, and Provenance Blockchain (HASH) increased by 11% to $0.03013.

The market remains in a state of consolidation. Weak holiday trading conditions and limited institutional momentum keep Bitcoin within a narrow range while traders look for new signals to influence the market.

Attention is now directed toward the Bank of Japan, preparing to enforce a 25-basis-point interest rate hike on December 19. Ignacio Aguirre, Chief Marketing Officer at Bitget, stated that a stronger yen could complicate yen carry trades, potentially putting downward pressure on cryptocurrency values as leveraged positions across global markets are adjusted.

Not a Bear Market (Yet)

Tony Severino, Market Analyst at YouHodler, believes that “Bitcoin, by definition, is in an uptrend.” For Bitcoin to transition into a bear market, a confirmed downtrend with lower lows is necessary. This positions $74,000 as a crucial support level that needs to be defended by bulls to sustain Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.

Currently, Bitcoin aims to regain the 50-week moving average, resting near $102,000. The $100,000 mark is viewed as a significant psychological barrier. Severino warns, “The psychological landscape surrounding $100,000 makes it an ideal zone for a bull trap.” If Bitcoin breaks above this threshold and maintains it for several weeks, it could eliminate the possibility of entering a bear market.

However, Severino also notes that a storm is brewing. Despite volatility on shorter timeframes, the overall market is relatively calm. He suggests that an impending spark could trigger explosive movements.

Moreover, the sentiment in the market remains characterized by fear. Although this can fuel a rebound in a bull market, elevated fear and panic levels persist throughout any bear market, he adds. In conclusion, Bitcoin's future trajectory will either reaffirm the four-year cycle of a bear market or disrupt it with a renewed bull run.

Levels & Events to Watch Next

At the time of this report, Bitcoin is priced at $89,627. The cryptocurrency began the day at a peak of $90,265 before dropping to a low of $87,892 and then rising to $89,898.

Over the past week, Bitcoin has fluctuated between $88,230 and $94,267, experiencing a decrease of 2.2%. Over a month, it is down 6.9%, and 28.8% from its all-time high of $126,080.

Should the market trend downwards, Bitcoin could drop below $80,000, potentially reaching $76,300 and then $70,000. Conversely, if it surges, Bitcoin may reclaim the $100,000 territory.

BTC Trading Chart

Ethereum is presently trading at $3,128. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum began its day at $3,119, eventually dropping to an intraday low of $3,052 before rebounding to an intraday high of $3,141.

Currently, Ethereum has shown no movement over the past week, trading between $3,065 and $3,390. It’s also down 1.4% in the past month and 36.6% from its all-time high of $4,946.

If Ethereum can reclaim the $3,200 level, it may further aim for the $3,290 to $3,370 range. However, a potential drop could lead it back down toward the $2,900 area and below.

Meanwhile, the crypto market continues to move in a tightly-held range, mirroring overall market sentiments. Today, the crypto fear and greed index stands at 27, unchanged from yesterday, highlighting a period of indecision among participants as they await stronger macroeconomic signals that could shift prices significantly.

Market Sentiment

Following a single day of losses, U.S. Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw $49.16 million in inflows on Friday. The total net inflow has slightly increased to $57.9 billion.

Of the twelve Bitcoin ETFs, one recorded inflows, while one experienced outflows, with BlackRock contributing $51.13 million in new inflows.

Simultaneously, Fidelity noted $1.96 million in outflows.

BTC ETF Inflows

On the other hand, U.S. Ethereum ETFs faced another day of negative flows, reporting $19.41 million in outflows on December 12. The total net inflow dipped slightly, now standing at $13.09 billion.

Among the nine funds, one registered inflows, while three recorded outflows. Notably, BlackRock accounted for all inflows that day, totaling $23.25 million.

In contrast, Grayscale faced a withdrawal of $36.52 million, and Fidelity reported $6.14 million in outflows.

ETH ETF Flows

Furthermore, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new guidance regarding crypto custody for retail investors. They emphasize the importance of understanding the risks and available options when storing digital assets.

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance clarified the complexities involved with crypto asset custody, defining both self-managed wallets and third-party custodians.

Quick FAQ

The recent downturn in the crypto market coincided with a decline in the U.S. stock market. By the close of trading on December 12, the S&P 500 fell by 1.07%, the Nasdaq-100 by 1.91%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.51%, particularly reflecting pressures in technology stocks amid rising concerns about AI bubbles.

Fresh catalysts, like the upcoming interest rate hike from the Bank of Japan, may affect the crypto market in the short term and could potentially push it out of its current consolidation phase. Unless significant catalysts emerge, prices are expected to continue to move sideways or lower for the near future.