Crypto has been collapsing. It could get even worse

Core Insights - The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant downturn, with Bitcoin dropping 25% since early October and Ethereum down nearly one-third, leading to a total market capitalization loss of over $1 trillion [2][3]. Market Conditions - The current state of the cryptocurrency market is classified as a bear market, with concerns that it may evolve into a "crypto winter," characterized by prolonged price declines and a loss of confidence in the asset class [3][4]. - The downturn was catalyzed by a "flash crash" on October 10, triggered by President Trump's tariff threats, which led to a rapid sell-off of risky assets, including cryptocurrencies [5][6]. Trading Dynamics - The highly-leveraged positions of crypto traders have exacerbated the market's volatility, resulting in over 1.6 million liquidations and a record $19 billion in liquidated positions on the day of the crash [6]. - Following the liquidations, orderbooks have thinned, negatively impacting market makers and contributing to the ongoing struggle for market momentum [7]. Investor Sentiment - The crash coincided with diminishing hype around stablecoin legislation and rising uncertainties regarding tariffs, interest rates, and potential AI market bubbles, making cryptocurrencies less attractive to investors during stock market volatility [8].