Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), have rocked the global crypto market, leading to a significant downturn. Traders woke up on August 5 to find the crypto market in a ‘bloodbath’ with top cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum taking massive hits. Consequently, the total market value has crashed by a notable 13%, dropping below the $2 trillion mark to $1.85 trillion.
The latest data has sent shockwaves through the market as investors are indecisive on what to do next. The flagship cryptocurrency, BTC, has plummeted by more than 12% at the time of writing, now changing hands at $53k. Also, Ethereum has dropped far below $3k, now trading at $2,300. As the Bears are gaining momentum, investors are asking why Bitcoin and the crypto market crashed today. Let us have a look.
Four Reasons Why the Crypto Market is Down Today
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Negative Inflows
One of the major reasons for the current downtrend witnessed in the crypto market at this time is the significant negative flows of both the Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF). As of the last Soso Value data update on August 2, BTC saw a daily total net inflows of negative $237.45 million. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s value rested at a negative $54.27 million.
Notably, for BTC ETF, Fidelity’s FBTC fund recorded the largest outflows with $104.10 million. Ark’s ARKBa and Grayscale’s GBTC came in second and third with $87.68 million and $45.95 million respectively. The outflow values crushed the inflows which saw BlackRock’s IBIT fund record the largest inflow with $42.81 million.
For ETH ETF, Grayscale’s ETHE saw $61.43 million in outflows on the same date while Fidelity’s FETH recorded the highest inflow with just $6.02 million. Comparing these data, the significant outflows have struck a disastrous blow to the market.
Mt. Gox Bitcoin Repayments
Another reason for the recent crypto market crash is the Mt. Gox Bitcoin repayment activity. Before the start of the scheduled creditor repayments, market participants expressed their worries about the potential effect it would have on the broader market. Investors speculated that the creditors, who have waited a decade for their funds, will start a selling spree once the funds hit their wallets.
Some analysts even predicted that the price of BTC might fall as low as $45,000 in the coming months as a result of the speculated selloff. Even though BTC’s price showed some form of resilience, it may seem that the prediction is materializing.
Last week, the defunct crypto exchange sent billions of Bitcoins to designated crypto exchanges for redistribution to its rehabilitation creditors. Following this, creditors who received their pay quickly cashed out by selling on the open market, thus, increasing the selling pressure on the coin.
At press time, Mt. Gox still holds 46.164k BTC, valued at approximately $2.45 billion to be repaid to its creditors.
Rate Cut Delay by the FOMC
Before the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting which happened on July 31, the crypto market enjoyed a notable uptrend triggered by the expectation of a rate cut by the Fed. However, during the conference, the Federal Reserve kept the interest rate at 5.25% – 5.5%, teasing a possible rate cut in September.
Consequently, the excitement faded across the crypto market which catalyzed a bearish turn. Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff also made a comment pointing out that the Fed rate cut might not revive the economy, instead, it will increase inflation.
Massive Bitcoin Liquidation
Over the weekend, the crypto market experienced massive long liquidations. According to Coinglass data, Bitcoin saw over $241.07 million liquidated, which represents about 90% of the total market liquidation. This has increased the pressure on the crypto market as the coin now trades at its monthly lowest. Also, the Bitcoin Open Interest has declined by 16.26% in the last 24 hours.
The post Here are Four Reasons Why Bitcoin and the Crypto Market Crashed Today appeared first on Coinfomania.
