Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slide Further: Analysts Say BTC Needs A Close Above $117,000 To Pull Market Higher

Global
Source: Benzinga.comPublished: 10/17/2025, 13:38:01 EDT
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Cryptocurrency Market
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Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slide Further: Analysts Say BTC Needs A Close Above $117,000 To Pull Market Higher

News Summary

Major cryptocurrencies declined alongside stocks on Thursday, while gold rallied to new highs. Bitcoin fell to $107,500, its lowest in over three months, and Ethereum also dipped to an intraday low of $3,829.65 before recovering. Sentiment in the market returned to "Extreme Fear," as indicated by the Crypto Fear & Greed Index. Liquidations in the cryptocurrency market hit $737 million in the last 24 hours, with over $530 million in bullish long positions wiped out. Bitcoin's open interest rose 2.85% to $73 billion over the same period, which, coupled with a price drop, typically suggests traders are opening new short positions in anticipation of further declines. CryptoQuant highlighted that miners moved 51,000 BTC, worth over $5.7 billion, to Binance in the last seven days, indicating a shift from holding to selling, which typically puts pressure on the price. Analysts note Bitcoin is consolidating within a wide $108,000–$117,000 range, needing a daily close above $117,000 to confirm renewed strength and pull the broader market higher. Ethereum, conversely, must defend $3,950–$4,050 and retake $4,150–$4,200 to regain momentum. Analysts at B2BINPAY suggest that trade tensions between the U.S. and China are "adding pressure" on the cryptocurrency market.

Background

The cryptocurrency market is known for its high volatility, with price movements often influenced by macroeconomic factors, investor sentiment, and technical indicators. Bitcoin, as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, often serves as a bellwether for the broader crypto market's health. Miner behavior, including whether they hold or sell newly minted Bitcoins, is a key on-chain metric influencing market supply and price dynamics. Additionally, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is a widely utilized tool for gauging market sentiment, ranging from "Extreme Fear" to "Extreme Greed." During periods of global economic uncertainty, investors often rotate into perceived safe-haven assets like gold, which can explain its price appreciation.

In-Depth AI Insights

What are the underlying dynamics driving the simultaneous decline in cryptocurrencies and stocks, while gold rallies? - The market appears to be in a broad risk-off mood. The decline in U.S. sovereign debt yields coupled with gold's rally to new highs suggests investors are rotating from risk assets (stocks, crypto) into perceived safe havens (gold and potentially bonds). - The mention of U.S.-China trade tensions by analysts implies that geopolitical uncertainty is playing a significant role in driving this risk aversion, a dynamic that under President Trump's administration could be persistent and intensify. - This pattern reflects broader concerns about the macroeconomic outlook, pushing capital towards safer, more liquid assets in anticipation of potential economic downturns. How significant is the reported miner behavior shift for Bitcoin's immediate and medium-term price trajectory? - The movement of 51,000 BTC ($5.7 billion) to exchanges by miners in seven days is a substantial supply-side event. Miners, historically among the largest Bitcoin holders, shifting from "holding" to "selling or liquidating" indicates increased supply pressure, which could lead to further price declines in the short term. - This behavioral change suggests miners may be facing operational cost pressures or hold a pessimistic view on future price movements. If this selling continues, it will cap any upside for Bitcoin as a significant amount of supply hits the market. - In the longer term, sustained miner selling could alter Bitcoin's market structure by reducing the amount of tokens held by long-term holders and increasing the circulating supply available for trade, impacting market stability. How should investors interpret Bitcoin's critical $117,000 resistance and Ethereum's $3,950-$4,050 support in the current market climate? - Bitcoin's $117,000 resistance level is more than just a technical point; it's a psychological barrier whose breach would signal a significant shift in market sentiment. Failure to break this level could reinforce the current bearish trend and encourage continued short-selling. - Ethereum's $3,950-$4,050 support zone is equally crucial; a break below this could trigger a cascading effect, leading to deeper sell-offs, especially given the prevailing "Extreme Fear" sentiment. - These technical levels act as crucial testaments for the market, intertwined with macro and geopolitical factors. Investors should closely monitor these price points to gauge whether the market can recover from its current risk-off stance or if further downside is imminent.