Why is Crypto Market Down Today? (12th Aug 2025)

by shayaan

The crypto market today is facing a pullback, with its total valuation falling 2.54% to $3.96 trillion. Meanwhile, the intraday trading volume has climbed 11.01% higher to $192.79 billion, hinting at growing activity despite the drop. That being said, Bitcoin’s dominance remains at 59.7%, while Ethereum is up a notch higher at 13.1%.

Talking about market sentiment, it stays in the “Greed” zone at 60 on the Fear & Greed Index. The correction comes after a strong monthly rally, as profit-taking, heavy token unlocks, and macroeconomic caution weigh big on prices.

Profit-Taking Dominance Pressures Prices

The top crypto Bitcoin’s price decline to $118,883 triggered $72 million in long liquidations. Thereby contributing to $442.31 million in total crypto liquidations in the past 24 hours. Successively, Ethereum was hit the hardest with $130.02 million liquidated, followed by Bitcoin.

Liquidation Map 12-8-25Liquidation Map 12-8-25

Despite bullish headlines, such as Metaplanet’s $61 million BTC purchase and ongoing inflows into BlackRock’s ETH ETF, traders opted to mark gains after BTC’s 4% weekly rise. The market stalled near its yearly high of $3.98 trillion, with the RSI(7) at 88.6 signaling overbought conditions. Traders are now awaiting the U.S. CPI report, which could determine the industry’s next move.

Altcoin Supply Flood Deepens Losses

This week’s $653 million in token unlocks has pressured altcoins, especially in thin liquidity. Dogecoin dropped 5.81% following a 95.49 million DOGE unlock worth $22 million. This was compounded by whale wallets moving 1 billion DOGE to exchanges.

Arbitrum, on the other hand, fell 6.76% amid a 37% rise in open interest, while Sui lost 6.28%. Unlocks quickly increase supply, making it harder for prices to hold during already bearish conditions.

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Equity Market Drag and Macro Caution

Weakness in U.S. equities has added to crypto’s struggles. After President Donald Trump granted a 90-day extension on China tariffs, the Dow Jones slipped 0.5%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.2%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.3%. Meanwhile, Nasdaq futures dipped 0.3% ahead of CPI data.

Bitcoin’s 24-hour correlation with gold hit +0.75, but crypto traded more like a risk-on asset, trailing behind the tech stocks rather than safe-haven flows. Gold rose 0.75% to $3,355 as inflation concerns boosted demand.

Conclusion

Today’s market drop echoes natural consolidation after an 8.27% monthly rally. BTC’s $118k support and the CPI report will be crucial. Successively, cooler inflation could revive the shopping spree, while hotter data may send the market toward the $3.2T 200-day EMA.

FAQs

Why did crypto prices fall today?

Due to profit-taking after recent gains, token unlocks are increasing supply, and broader market caution ahead of U.S. CPI data.

Which coins saw the biggest liquidations?

Ethereum led with $130M in liquidations, followed by Bitcoin with $72M.

What’s next for the market?

BTC’s $118k level is key. CPI results will likely determine whether the market rebounds or slides further.

coinpedia.org

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