Crypto Meltdown: Bitcoin’s Sharp Fall Sends Sh*ckwaves Through Equities

According to financial analysts, Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, fell below $90,000 on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, marking its lowest level in seven months. Experts say the sharp decline underscores waning investor appetite for risk assets across global markets.

The digital currency, which reached an all-time high of over $126,000 in October, has now lost all gains recorded in 2025, falling nearly 30 percent from its peak. Early Tuesday trading in Asia saw Bitcoin at approximately $89,953, extending last week’s steep losses after it breached key support at $98,000.

Market participants attributed the sell-off to renewed uncertainty over the timing of U.S. interest rate cuts and a broader retreat in global markets following months of aggressive rallies. Analysts warn that as long as investors remain uncertain about the Federal Reserve’s next moves, risk-sensitive assets such as cryptocurrencies are likely to remain under pressure.

“The mood has soured,” said one trader, noting that the sharp downturn in crypto reflects a wider reluctance among investors to take speculative positions. The slump has also affected crypto-linked companies, with firms holding digital tokens and miners, including Strategy, Riot Platforms, and Mara Holdings, seeing share prices fall, while major exchange Coinbase also suffered losses.

Asian equities mirrored the weakness in digital assets, with technology shares in Japan and South Korea experiencing notable declines. The sell-off extended to other cryptocurrencies, with Ether, the second-largest digital asset by market value, down nearly 40 percent from its August high of over $4,955 and trading around $2,997 on Tuesday.

Observers caution that the latest cryptocurrency slump could signal turbulence in broader equity markets. Earlier this year, a similar Bitcoin decline preceded an April equities sell-off following U.S. tariffs, raising speculation that the current slump may act as an early warning. Traders remain cautious, noting that the speed and extent of the decline could keep markets on edge in the coming days.