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Why Is Crypto Falling? Key Reasons Behind the Latest Crypto Sell-Off

Crypto markets are tumbling today mainly due to heavy leveraged liquidations, hawkish Federal Reserve signals, and a broader pullback in tech-driven risk assets. As prices breached key technical support levels, a cascade of forced selling accelerated the drop. It’s that simple and messy—but yeah, that’s what’s happening.


Liquidation Cascade Sparks Panic

A massive wave of leveraged long positions was suddenly liquidated. On February 5, over $775 million in positions were wiped out across major exchanges as Bitcoin plunged toward the $70,000 mark—its lowest since November 2024. This kind of forced liquidation magnified the sell-off, sparking algorithmic selling that amplified the crash.

These liquidations followed a minor technical correction that snowballed into full-blown capitulation. Over 165,000 traders were impacted, mostly those holding leveraged long positions.


Fed Policy Uncertainty Tightens Grip

Expectations around the Federal Reserve turned the air even colder. The nomination of Kevin Warsh as prospective Fed Chair fueled fears of tighter monetary policy. Analysts warn that expectations of balance-sheet reduction filtered through, weakening crypto’s appeal as a risk-on asset.

A stronger U.S. dollar compounded the pressure, making riskier assets like Bitcoin comparatively less attractive.


Tech Market Meltdown Ripples into Crypto

Crypto didn’t fall in a vacuum: tech stocks tumbled alongside. A broad sell-off in equities, especially technology-heavy indices, dragged down digital assets.

On February 5, Bitcoin plunged 12%, falling below $65,000 and erasing rally gains tied to earlier pro-crypto political momentum. Ether suffered even more, down around 37% year-to-date, now trading near $1,849.


Institutional Retreat and ETF Outflows

The institutional tide is receding. ETF inflows have reversed, and major investors are stepping back. Deutsche Bank and investing.com cite fading institutional demand and macro headwinds as key catalysts.

Bloomberg data highlights that ETFs once absorbed tens of billions in Bitcoin. That support is now weakening.


Depth of the Downturn: Bitcoin’s Historic Slide

Bitcoin’s been hammered hard. From a high above $126,000 in October 2025, it has dropped more than 50%, with prices dipping as low as $60,000.

The last time BTC traded this low was back in October 2024. The broader crypto market has shed over $2 trillion in value since early October.


Political and Geopolitical Undercurrents

Government policy still matters—even in crypto. The collapse of gains made from a post-election rally tied to pro-crypto legislation reflects cooling investor confidence.

Some of the pain spreads beyond crypto. Gemini, for instance, announced a 25% workforce reduction, with plans to exit markets like the UK and EU amid slumping Bitcoin value (~$65,000).


It’s a Perfect Storm, But Hope Remains

To sum up, today’s crypto crash is the result of:

  • A liquidation cascade triggered by leveraged long positions breaking
  • Rising Federal Reserve hawkishness
  • A sell-off in tech sectors dragging risk assets lower
  • Reduced institutional demand and ETF outflows
  • A steady downward trend from recent record highs
  • Political and organizational fallout affecting trading platforms

Yet not all is doom. While long-term holders seem steady, short-term traders are nervous. Technical indicators suggest key support levels may offer bounce points. But caution is the name of the game.


Conclusion

Crypto is falling today due to a lethal mix of forced liquidations, macroeconomic fears, tech stock declines, fading institutional demand, and political shifts. The result is a rapid unwinding of prices after last year’s rally, with Bitcoin testing deeply lower levels.

Investment caution makes sense now. Watching Fed policy, leveraged exposure levels, and ETF flows will be critical signals to track for signs of stabilization or further descent.


FAQs

Why did liquidations worsen the crypto drop?

Many traders used high leverage. When prices dipped, automatic sell orders hit, triggering algorithmic panic selling and deepening the downturn.

How does Fed policy influence crypto prices?

Hawkish Fed signals—like the prospect of tighter rates or balance-sheet reduction—make investors less willing to hold risk-on assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Can crypto recover without tech stock stabilization?

To rally sustainably, crypto needs broader risk appetite to return. So yes, tech market recovery would significantly help crypto sentiment.

Will institutional demand return?

It depends on macro clarity and regulatory certainty. For now, institutions have pulled back, reducing a critical source of market support.

Is the crypto market at a bottom?

Hard to say. Some technical support levels are holding, but without clear macro and policy catalysts, volatility remains elevated—and the risk of further sell-offs persists.

Jennifer Williams

Experienced journalist with credentials in specialized reporting and content analysis. Background includes work with accredited news organizations and industry publications. Prioritizes accuracy, ethical reporting, and reader trust.

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Jennifer Williams

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