Cryptocurrency Faces Sharp Decline as Market Sentiment Turns Bearish
Bitcoin fell below the $90,000 mark on November 18, 2025, marking its lowest level since February. The decline followed a month-long sell-off erasing gains made earlier in the year and signaling growing investor caution in the crypto market.
Bitcoin’s price slipped to approximately $89,300 in European trading, briefly dipping under the psychologically important $90,000 threshold. While the cryptocurrency rebounded slightly to near $91,000, the broader trend indicates significant selling pressure.
This drop was exacerbated by a technical “death cross” signal, where the 50-day moving average crosses below the 200-day moving average—a pattern often associated with multi-week downward price movements.
Crypto miners, exchanges, and publicly traded companies with significant Bitcoin holdings have experienced losses alongside spot prices. Analysts at Standard Chartered estimate that about half of public companies holding Bitcoin may be “underwater” at current prices, creating pressure on corporate boards and risk managers.
Liquidity remains thin following a major October sell-off that wiped out $19 billion in leveraged positions. Many retail traders have pulled back, and exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows weakened as hopes for regulatory clarity cooled.
Macro factors such as sustained high bond yields and a strong U.S. dollar continue to weigh heavily on cryptocurrencies, which often behave as high-beta assets, falling faster than stocks during periods of risk aversion.
Ethereum and many altcoins have seen even greater declines, with some losing nearly 40% from their August highs, reflecting their riskier status in the market.
Despite current weakness, some analysts highlight the potential for short-term relief rallies if ETF outflows stabilize, volatility calms, and macroeconomic indicators improve.
Investors are advised to watch key support levels around $86,000 to $88,000, monitor ETF flows, and keep a close eye on crypto market funding rates and on-chain metrics.
