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- Anjali Belgaumkar
Anjali Belgaumkar
Writer by choice, CryptoCurrency Writer, and Researcher by chance. Currently, focusing on financial news and analysis, as well as cryptocurrency news and data. One may not call me a crypto “Enthusiast” but trust me I'm getting there.
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Qadir AKQadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.
- Dec 16, 2025 03:27 UTC
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Crypto Prices Drop Sharply as Leverage Liquidations Spike
Crypto markets shed $136B as Bitcoin broke $88K support, triggering heavy liquidations. Ethereum, XRP and altcoins saw sharp losses.
Nearly $381M in leveraged longs were wiped out as volatility spiked, while analysts see crypto stuck in a range-bound phase for now.
The cryptocurrency market fell sharply on Monday, losing around $136 billion in value in a few hours as Bitcoin dropped below a crucial price level and leveraged trades were forced to close. The total crypto market capitalization fell about 3.7% to $2.93 trillion, according to market data.
Bitcoin Leads Declines
Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, fell after failing to hold the $88,000 support level, sliding to around $85,000 before stabilizing. The move triggered selling across the broader market.
Ethereum, the second-largest token, dropped more sharply, falling around 6.1% to about $2,932. BNB slipped nearly 3.9% to $854, while XRP declined about 6.5% to trade near $1.86. Solana fell around 3.7% to $126, and Dogecoin lost about 5.5%, trading close to $0.13.
Leveraged Trades Worsen Sell-Off
The sell-off was intensified by the liquidation of leveraged positions. Nearly $381 million in long positions were wiped out as prices fell, forcing automatic sales and accelerating losses.
Analysts said heavy use of leverage has made the crypto market more volatile than traditional financial markets. By comparison, the S&P 500 was down just 0.3% during the same period.
Analysts See Range-Bound Market
Analyst Michaël van de Poppe said the overall direction of the crypto market remains unclear despite the correction.
He observed similarities to previous market pullbacks, including those seen in early 2025, where prices consolidated before gradually recovering.
Important levels to watch include $3.2 trillion as resistance and $2.85 trillion as support for the total crypto market, he said.
Mining Sector Adds Pressure
Bitcoin miners are also facing rising costs, with average production expenses estimated at around $74,600 per Bitcoin, while total costs, including equipment depreciation, may reach $130,000.
Several mining firms have begun shifting toward AI data center hosting to offset declining profitability, adding another layer of uncertainty to the sector.
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FAQs
The drop was driven by Bitcoin losing key support and mass liquidation of leveraged trades, which triggered rapid selling across major cryptocurrencies.
Not necessarily. Analysts see the market as range-bound, similar to past corrections that later stabilized and recovered gradually.
Analysts highlight $3.2 trillion as resistance and $2.85 trillion as support for total market value to gauge near-term direction.
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