Crypto Market Crash: Bitcoin and Ethereum Plunge as US-China Tensions and $5B Liquidations Shake Investors

The crypto market has entered a turbulent phase this week as Bitcoin and Ethereum plunged sharply, erasing recent gains and triggering over $5 billion in liquidations. Escalating US–China trade tensions, a stronger dollar, and delayed ETF approvals have fueled widespread selling pressure across digital assets. With the Bitcoin price now hovering near $112,000 and traders watching key support levels, the market faces a crucial test. Analysts believe this correction could either reset momentum or signal a deeper macro-driven pullback ahead.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Lead the Sell-Off

The crypto market witnessed a sharp correction this week, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling nearly 7.5% to $112,578, while the Ethereum (ETH) price slumped 13% to $3,799. The drop followed Bitcoin’s short-lived rally to a record high of $125,456, triggering heavy profit-taking across major exchanges. This retracement aligns with historical post-ATH corrections, where BTC typically sheds 10–15% before stabilizing. 

Market data from CoinGlass shows that over $5.6 billion in leveraged long positions were liquidated within 24 hours, marking one of 2025’s largest single-day liquidation events. Analysts warn that Bitcoin’s key support now lies between $109,000 and $114,000, a zone that could determine whether the correction deepens or reverses. Ethereum’s weakness mirrors this pattern, with traders watching the $3,500 support zone closely for a potential rebound.

Macroeconomic Jitters Intensify Crypto Volatility

Global risk sentiment turned sharply negative after the U.S. announced new 100% tariffs on Chinese tech imports, reigniting fears of a prolonged trade conflict. The resulting flight to safety boosted the U.S. dollar index (DXY) above 107, its highest level since early 2024, pressuring speculative assets like crypto. At the same time, the 10-year Treasury yield held firm near 4.65%, indicating tight liquidity conditions and limited appetite for high-risk instruments. 

Crypto markets, highly correlated with macro trends, faced broad sell-offs as institutional players de-risked. Analysts suggest that unless global trade tensions ease, Bitcoin and altcoins could remain under pressure in the short term. Historical data shows that crypto tends to lag in recovery during risk-off cycles, often stabilizing only after yields cool and dollar strength fades.

ETF Delays and Regulatory Uncertainty Add Pressure

Regulatory headwinds further dampened optimism this week as the anticipated Solana and XRP spot ETF approvals were delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown. The SEC’s temporary inactivity halted progress on several key filings, freezing potential institutional inflows. This setback followed weeks of bullish anticipation, during which Solana’s price briefly touched $218 before retreating to $172. 

Market analysts warn that prolonged ETF delays could slow capital rotation into altcoins, particularly for assets that rely heavily on institutional adoption narratives. Despite the pause, sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with crypto ETFs already attracting over $18 billion in cumulative inflows since January 2025. However, investors are now closely watching for clarity on SEC timelines and political developments that could reignite bullish momentum across the market.

Wrapping it Up!

In conclusion, the current crypto downturn reflects a complex mix of macroeconomic headwinds, leveraged liquidations, and cooling sentiment after record-breaking highs. While short-term volatility may persist, on-chain metrics suggest that the worst of the forced selling could be nearing an end. If Bitcoin maintains support above $109,000, a relief rally toward $120,000 remains possible in the weeks ahead. Long-term investors, however, view this phase as a healthy market reset within the broader 2025 bull cycle, rather than its end.