After a brief recovery, the crypto market is once again grappling with a setback, marked by a significant decline in overall trading volume reaching its lowest point in weeks.
The plunge to $63.63 billion in total trading volume paints a picture of a sluggish crypto landscape, compounded by several other concerning factors. Within just a day, the total trading volume has plummeted by 17%, dragging the overall crypto market cap down to $2.3 trillion. Additionally, the fear and greed index has shifted away from bullish sentiments.
This market downturn has resulted in declines in the prices of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin is currently trading at $62,309.95 following a 2% drop, while Ethereum’s price stands at $2,999.41 after a 2.2% fall. This downward trend appears to persist, exerting downward pressure on other cryptocurrencies as well.
Reasons Behind Today’s Crypto Market Decline:
The crypto market has largely remained stagnant for weeks, with only intermittent surges in recent days. However, today’s downturn can be attributed to fresh regulatory concerns in the crypto space. Additionally, a decrease in Bitcoin Futures ETF and exchange inflows has dampened investor sentiment, fostering bearish conditions.
SEC Intervention in the Crypto Market:
The SEC has turned its attention to Robinhood, issuing a Wells notice to the exchange. Robinhood disclosed this development in a filing on Monday, revealing the SEC’s preliminary determination to recommend enforcement action against the exchange for alleged violations. Consequently, Robinhood has decided to suspend trading for cryptocurrencies deemed securities by the SEC. This isn’t the first time Robinhood has taken such action; previously, it swiftly delisted cryptocurrencies when the SEC targeted Binance and Coinbase.
Continued Bitcoin Futures ETF Outflows:
For the fourth consecutive week, the crypto market has witnessed rising outflows, resulting in a $251 million decline in Assets Under Management (AUM). Despite the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in Hong Kong, outflows have persisted, particularly affecting Bitcoin, which saw $284 million withdrawn. This sustained outflow has diminished the appeal of Bitcoin ETFs, directly impacting Bitcoin prices.
Contrary to Bitcoin, Ethereum experienced a break in its outflow trend, recording $30 million in inflows. Within just one week of the launch of Hong Kong ETFs, Ethereum saw total inflows of $307 million.
Decade-Low Bitcoin Inflow Rate Among Exchanges:
In addition to Bitcoin ETF outflow losses, exchange inflows have reached their lowest levels in a decade, akin to figures from 2015. Bitcoin exchange inflows have dwindled to only 20,000 BTC, with long-term holders refraining from distribution to accumulate more Bitcoin.
The crypto market may undergo a prolonged downtrend as Bitcoin heads towards an accumulation phase. Some analysts speculate that Bitcoin may dip below the $50,000 mark before resuming its climb towards an all-time high.
