The recent turmoil in global markets has not spared the cryptocurrency sector. In just 24 hours, the cryptocurrency market saw an unprecedented loss of over $100 billion in value. This dramatic decline reflects broader concerns about the potential for a US economic recession and its ripple effects across various asset classes, including digital currencies.
Bitcoin Experiences a Significant Drop
Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, fell sharply by 11% within a single day, reaching $54,070 after briefly hitting a low of $52,350. According to CoinGecko, this drop marks Bitcoin’s lowest level since February of this year. Over the past week, Bitcoin has lost as much as 13.1%, reflecting the worst performance since the infamous collapse of FTX in 2022.
Ethereum Hits an 8-Month Low
Similarly, Ethereum (ETH) saw a steep decline, reaching an 8-month low of $2,120. Reuters reported ETH’s drop to $2,300, the lowest since mid-January. Analysts speculate that the broader economic uncertainties, coupled with potential bubbles created by heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI), may have contributed to this widespread selloff.
Heavy Sell-Offs in Bitcoin ETFs
Adding to the market’s instability, Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds) experienced a significant selloff on August 2, marking the highest volume in three months. The moving average price of Bitcoin ETFs has also decreased, as reported by analysts at IG Australia Pty. This heavy selloff reflects investor anxiety and speculation regarding future movements in the cryptocurrency market.
Impact on the Indian Market
In India, where cryptocurrency is not banned but remains in a regulatory gray area, the impact of this global downturn is also felt. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a 30% tax on gains from crypto assets, applicable from April 1, 2022. However, there remains no official legal framework governing cryptocurrency in the country. Some experts suggest that government actions, such as potential sales of Bitcoin by governments or a supply glut from tokens returned through bankruptcy proceedings, might be contributing to the market’s instability.