Crypto Market Cap Slips Over 2%: Bitcoin Near $87,000, Ethereum at $2,930 Amid Thin Year-End Volumes
The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a notable downturn, with the total market capitalization dropping over 2%. Bitcoin is currently trading near $87,331, while Ethereum hovers around $2,952. This decline reflects generalized weakness in global risk assets, coupled with diminished trading volumes as the year comes to a close.
Current Market Overview
– Bitcoin Price: $87,331
– Ethereum Price: $2,952
– Market Capitalization: Down 2.76% to $2.96 trillion (CoinMarketCap)
In the last 24 hours, both Bitcoin and Ethereum have lost 2.88%. Among the major altcoins, notable price drops include:
– BNB: Down up to 8%
– XRP: Down up to 8%
– Solana: Down up to 8%
– Tron: Down up to 8%
– Dogecoin: Down up to 8%
– Cardano: Down up to 8%
– Hyperliquid: Down up to 8%
Expert Insights on Market Movements
Riya Sehgal, a Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, attributes the bearish tone to macroeconomic caution and technical resistance. Following a seven-day upward trend, Asian equities showed a pullback, as investors eagerly await the Federal Reserve’s minutes from the December meeting for insights into 2026 rate policies. Sehgal notes that recent corrections in precious metals hint at broader profit-taking across multiple markets.
Analysts anticipate ongoing consolidation as we approach 2026, until liquidity and institutional inflows increase. Key determinants for Q1 2026 will likely include macro policy signals and ETF flows.
Short-Term Price Predictions
The CoinDCX Research Team reports that Bitcoin’s price rally has faced resistance below the $90,000 mark. The market cap has decreased by nearly $100 billion, falling from a peak of $3.02 trillion to its current $2.93 trillion.
– Immediate support for Bitcoin lies between $87,000 and $87,300.
– Expected trading range for Bitcoin in the short term: $87,000 to $89,000.
– A breakthrough below this support could lead to further declines, whereas a successful reclaim above $88,800 to $89,500 might trigger a short squeeze.
Nischal Shetty, Founder of WazirX, observes that global markets remain in a state of macro caution, with investor sentiment reacting more strongly to liquidity issues and geopolitical tensions. Traditional markets have absorbed much of the capital shifts, influencing bearish trends in crypto.
Conclusion
The crypto markets are currently navigating uncertainty, coupled with thinning volumes as we near year-end. Key players like Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing price corrections, reflecting broader trends across global finance. As liquidity returns and market participants await clearer signals, traders are advised to exercise caution and monitor pivotal levels closely.
The future of the crypto market may hinge on macroeconomic developments and institutional sentiment as we transition into 2026. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for investors looking to navigate this ever-evolving landscape.