Home
/
Market analysis
/
Crypto trends
/

Why bitcoin and altcoins are dropping: panic explained

Bitcoin and Altcoins Dive | Panic Sets In Amid Crypto Downturn

By

Fatima Khan

Nov 15, 2025, 06:45 PM

Edited By

Lina Zhang

3 minutes reading time

A graph showing the decline in Bitcoin and altcoin prices, reflecting market panic and uncertainty.
popular

As cryptocurrency prices tumble, fears of a bear market spark mixed reactions among people. Bitcoin has lost about 20% and Ethereum nearly 29% over the past three months, prompting concerns about the market's direction.

Many people are questioning the severity of the panic, recalling previous downturns. One user noted, "Fast drops always feel worse than they actually are." Despite the drop, some believe past cycles suggest a rebound may be on the horizon. The situation is marked by the ongoing debate around the so-called "four-year cycle" in crypto, indicating that sentiment can shift quickly.

Context: A Shaky Market

The recent downturn is not unprecedented. Previous lows have seen Bitcoin drop over 20% and Ethereum plunge more than 50% from December to April, with subsequent recoveries. People are contemplating whether the market is truly in a bear phase or if itโ€™s just a reset.

Notably, the sentiment varies: while some fear a prolonged slump, others are optimistic about potential gains. A recurring theme is the influence of political factors, particularly with President Trumpโ€™s actions impacting market perception. One commenter suggested, "Politics has a big role to play some are worried about market manipulation."

Themes Emerging from Discussion

  1. Market Cycles: Many point to the cyclic nature, hinting that the market typically experiences waves of dips followed by rebounds.

  2. Political Influence: The role of political newsโ€”specifically Trump's actionsโ€”has people on edge, driving market reactions.

  3. Investor Sentiment: Anxiety seems to govern responses, as reported by comments like "This is classic crypto massive shakeouts scare off new people."

"Leverage magnifies everything, both the highs and the lows."

A reminder that market dynamics can significantly impact emotions and trades.

Key Points

  • โ–ณ Bitcoin's recent drop is around 20%, Ethereum about 29%.

  • โ–ฝ Some argue recovery is possible amidst panic-driven selling.

  • โš ๏ธ Unprecedented high volatility has people reassessing their strategies.

In this evolving situation, opinions differ on future movements. While some anticipate a potential recovery, others worry about the implications of a lack of liquidity and overall market stability. For many, the recent downturn is a test of patience and strategy, leading to the familiar pre-holiday sell-off as some people cash out for end-of-year expenses. Will the market rebound before the New Year? Only time will tell.

The Path Ahead for Crypto

In the coming weeks, thereโ€™s a strong chance that weโ€™ll see increased volatility as traders react to market sentiment and economic conditions. If liquidity remains tight, expectations for a recovery may diminish; experts estimate approximately a 60% probability of further declines before any upward movement materializes. However, should stability return by early next year, the same experts suggest thereโ€™s about a 40% chance that Bitcoin and Ethereum will recover some of their losses, driven by renewed interest from institutional investors. The response to political developments will also be a decisive factor, as people assess how President Trumpโ€™s policies might affect the crypto landscape.

A Taste of Bananas in Crisis

A rather unconventional parallel can be drawn from the banana market in the 1950s, where a spike in prices led to panic selling before a slow recovery. Much like todayโ€™s crypto landscape, the banana trade was heavily influenced by supply chain issues and shifting consumer preferences. As people rushed to divest their holdings, the market eventually found its footing, leading to a deeper understanding of what drives demand. Just like bananas have their day in the sun again, the crypto realm might just surprise observers with resilience, proving that panic often clouds judgment more than it shapes reality.