Home
chevron
News
chevron
Bitcoin
chevron
Altcoins
chevron
Why Is Crypto Down Today ? Key Reasons Explained
Copié

Why Is Crypto Down Today ? Key Reasons Explained

After a significant uptrend, the cryptocurrency market is showing a bearish trend on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Profit-taking by traders and technical resistance levels for market leaders like Bitcoin and Ethereum appear to be the main drivers of this correction. Analysis.

Written by Charles Ledoux

Translated on May 15, 2025 at 14:09 by Sarah

Digital currency concept design, abstract background.
Copié

Massive Profit-Taking : Bitcoin and Ethereum Retreat

The crypto market is experiencing a correction on May 15, 2025, with most major digital assets showing significant declines. Bitcoin (BTC) has decreased by around 1.23%, Ethereum (ETH) by 2.12%, while other altcoins like XRP, Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA) have recorded even more pronounced drops, sometimes exceeding 5%. So, what are the reasons behind this widespread pullback?

The main explanation lies in a wave of profit-taking by traders. This trend follows a particularly positive week for the market, described as a “rally,” where many assets had seen significant gains. 

It is common, after such an upward period, for investors to seek to secure their profits by selling some of their positions, which mechanistically generates selling pressure and therefore a decline in prices.

For example, on May 13, a whale sold the BTC purchased in 2014, eleven years ago, for $31 million, after buying them for only $131k.

In addition to profit-taking, the two leading cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum, have encountered significant technical resistance levels. In technical analysis, a resistance level is a price threshold that an asset struggles to break through due to a higher concentration of sellers. 

Bitcoin price in 1H btc

Indeed, the POC in 1H represents a liquidity wall, a showdown between buyers and sellers. If BTC fails to stay above, it suggests that sellers are dominating, which could contribute to a deeper drop in BTC to $97,000.

Having reached these significant levels following their recent surge, price corrections were anticipated by many market observers. The current decline could, therefore, correspond to this expected consolidation phase.

Market attention also appears to be turning to future events, which may prompt some caution and short-term portfolio reallocations.

price band mvrv sth chart
Source: Checkonchain

This $96,000 price also corresponds to a historically tough resistance to break on the MVRV Short term holders Price Bands. A level that had been formidable for BTC last summer. 

Crypto market : Positive Signals Persist

Despite this temporary correction, several underlying signals remain positive for the crypto market. Analysts notably point out that:

  • Institutional accumulation of Bitcoin continues: Major institutional investors continue to show interest in Bitcoin by increasing their positions, demonstrating confidence in the asset’s long-term value.
  • Anticipation of Coinbase joining the S&P 500: The upcoming integration of the Coinbase exchange platform into the S&P 500 index is seen as a potentially bullish catalyst for the entire sector. This could enhance the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies among traditional investors and attract new capital inflows.
LTH Bitcoin spending chart
Source: Checkonchain

Indeed, Long Time Holders have significantly accumulated lately. A signal that often indicates a reversal of trend in the following weeks.

It is also crucial to remember that volatility is an inherent characteristic of the cryptocurrency market. Corrections after rapid increases are common and do not necessarily undermine longer-term trends.

The observed decline on May 15, 2025, in the cryptocurrency market appears to be the result of a combination of logical profit-taking after a prosperous period and technical reactions to key price levels. 

While caution remains advisable in the short term, institutional confidence indicators and positive structural developments, such as Coinbase’s integration into the S&P 500, offer encouraging prospects for the sector’s future.

More on this topic :

Charles Ledoux

Charles Ledoux

Charles Ledoux is a Bitcoin and blockchain technology specialist. A graduate of the Crypto Academy, he has been a Bitcoin miner for over a year. He has written numerous masterclasses to educate newcomers to the industry and has authored over 2,000 articles on cryptocurrency. Now, he aims to share his passion for crypto through his articles for InvestX.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies involves risks, and it is important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.

InvestX is not responsible for the quality of the products or services presented on this page and cannot be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of any product or service featured in this article. Investments in crypto assets are inherently risky; readers should conduct their own research before taking any action and invest only within their financial means. This article does not constitute investment advice.

Risk Warning : Trading financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, including the possibility of losing all or part of your investment. It may not be suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can be influenced by external factors such as financial, regulatory, or political events. Margin trading increases financial risks.

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are complex instruments with a high risk of rapid capital loss due to leverage. Between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Before engaging in financial or cryptocurrency trading, you must be fully informed about the associated risks and fees, carefully evaluate your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk tolerance, and seek professional advice if needed. InvestX.fr and the InvestX application may provide general market commentary, which does not constitute investment advice and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult an independent financial advisor for any investment-related questions. InvestX.fr disclaims any liability for errors, misinvestments, inaccuracies, or omissions and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information, texts, graphics, links, or other materials provided.

Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.