Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Sinks to Lowest Level Since 2024

Core Insights - Bitcoin's closing price has decreased over 15% this week, reaching its lowest level since November 2024, and is down approximately 14% year-to-date, sitting around 39% below its record close from October 2025 [1] - Ether's closing price has dropped over 25% this week, hitting its lowest level since May of last year, and is currently down about 25% year-to-date, approximately 54% below its record close from August 2025 [1] - XRP, launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has seen its market position affected by the emergence of new coins [1] Bitcoin - Bitcoin is recognized as the world's first cryptocurrency and decentralized digital currency, with its first transaction occurring in early 2009 [1] - The cryptocurrency is often viewed as volatile but also exhibits resilience [1] Ether - Ether operates on the Ethereum blockchain platform and was launched in July 2015, holding the second largest market share among cryptocurrencies [1] XRP - XRP is owned by Ripple and was launched in 2012, previously ranking as one of the larger cryptocurrencies [1] Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to chart Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP together, utilizing a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth rather than absolute price fluctuations [1] - As of the time of writing, Bitcoin is leading in terms of price changes since November 9, 2017 [1] ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and iShares Bitcoin Trust [1] - On July 23, 2024, several spot Ether ETFs were launched from issuers such as Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [1]