Crypto Prices Today: Ethereum and XRP Tumble as $1.1 Billion Gets Liquidated

Crypto Prices Today – The global cryptocurrency market experienced a significant downturn, shedding nearly 5% of its market capitalization within the last 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data. This steep decline triggered over $1.1 billion in liquidations, signaling heightened volatility and selling pressure across the digital asset landscape.

Bitcoin Falls Below $100K for the First Time in Over a Month

Bitcoin (BTC), the largest and most influential cryptocurrency, dropped by 4% in the past day, slipping below the psychologically important $100,000 mark for the first time in more than a month. At press time, Bitcoin trades around $99,000, reflecting investor jitters amid geopolitical tensions and broader market uncertainty.

Despite this sharp correction, Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin advocate and investor, reportedly announced plans to make another strategic Bitcoin purchase, signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential despite short-term volatility.

Ethereum, XRP, and Altcoins Join the Sell-Off

The crypto market’s red wave extends beyond Bitcoin. Ethereum (ETH), the leading altcoin, suffered a substantial 9.37% decline within 24 hours but maintained support above the $2,100 level. Meanwhile, XRP, despite ongoing institutional adoption efforts, slid nearly 8%, while Solana (SOL) dropped by 7.34%.

Other popular altcoins such as Dogecoin (DOGE) and Cardano (ADA) each fell approximately 7%, mirroring losses recorded by Pi Network and Shiba Inu (SHIB) over the same period. Overall, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization now stands at approximately $3.05 trillion, with trading volumes remaining subdued, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

US-Iran Conflict Fuels Crypto Price Volatility

A key driver behind this crypto market crash is escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. The market reacted sharply after a series of US airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, escalating fears of further conflict. These events unfolded shortly after relatively stable market conditions during last week’s clashes involving Israel.

In the immediate aftermath, Bitcoin’s price swiftly approached the critical $100,000 support level. Persistent concerns about potential Iranian retaliation on US soil further pressured prices downward, pushing Bitcoin below $101,000.

Moreover, the Iranian parliament’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route responsible for transporting 20% of the world’s oil supply, exacerbated market unease. This move raised fears of broader economic disruptions, impacting not only traditional markets but also the crypto sector, as investors reassess risk exposure.

US Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Stance Adds to Market Pressure

In addition to geopolitical risks, monetary policy played a significant role in today’s crypto sell-off. The US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to maintain current interest rates dampened market optimism. Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited trade tariffs imposed during the Trump administration as a primary reason for avoiding rate cuts.

This cautious Fed stance, combined with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, weighed on risk assets including cryptocurrencies, intensifying the downward price momentum.

Forced Liquidations Amplify Crypto Market Decline

Data reveals that over $1.1 billion worth of crypto positions were liquidated across futures and margin markets within 24 hours, highlighting forced selling as a catalyst for the price crash. These liquidations occurred amid a low-volume weekend trading environment and a market trapped in a range-bound technical setup, conditions that typically predispose markets to sharp moves triggered by external shocks.

What Lies Ahead for Crypto Markets?

While today’s decline reflects a mix of geopolitical risk, central bank policy, and technical market factors, market participants will be closely watching for signs of stabilization. Key indicators include:

Bitcoin’s ability to hold critical support levels around $100K
Trading volume trends, which may indicate renewed investor confidence or continued caution
Macro developments, especially US-Iran relations and Fed policy updates

As always, the cryptocurrency space remains highly volatile, and price swings of this magnitude underscore the importance of understanding broader economic and political dynamics shaping market sentiment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.