Crypto Market Update: ETF Redemptions Hit Three-Week Streak, Bitcoin’s Struggle Continues
By Giann Liguid and Meagen Seatter | November 17, 2025
As the cryptocurrency market faces ongoing challenges, recent data shows a continuation of bearish investor sentiment, particularly in the U.S. Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) space. Bitcoin itself has experienced a significant drawdown, prompting fresh concerns about the short- and medium-term prospects of the digital asset.
Bitcoin and Ether Price Recap
As of Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at approximately US$95,539, marking a slight 0.4% decrease over the last 24 hours. Intraday price movement ranged from a low of US$93,029 to a high near US$95,904. The weekend slide toward US$93,000 has pushed market sentiment into the “extreme fear” zone, extending a downtrend that erased over US$600 billion in Bitcoin’s market capitalization since its October peak.
Peter Schiff, founder of SchiffGold, underscored Bitcoin’s weakening position in the market by urging his social media followers to "sell Bitcoin now and buy gold,” highlighting that gold had rebounded above US$4,100 while Bitcoin was struggling to maintain the US$93,000 level. Schiff further noted that Bitcoin, despite being down 26% from its all-time high, was faring better than gold in the latest bear market where gold declined 39%.
Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, also saw a downturn, trading at US$3,187 with a 0.6% drop in the last 24 hours. Prices fluctuated with a low near US$3,024 and a high around US$3,216. Among altcoins, Solana (SOL) showed little movement, holding flat at US$141, while XRP noted a modest 0.4% increase, trading at US$2.27. —
ETF Redemptions Continue for Third Consecutive Week
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded outflows for three straight weeks, culminating in a net withdrawal of about US$1.11 billion between November 10 and 14. BlackRock’s IBIT ETF led the redemptions, losing over half a billion dollars, while Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust also experienced significant investor withdrawals.
These continued outflows have lowered total spot Bitcoin ETF assets to approximately US$125 billion, which now represents under 7% of Bitcoin’s overall market capitalization. Analysts attribute this cautious sentiment to increasing macroeconomic and political uncertainties, particularly in light of rumored tariff policies under the Trump administration that could affect market stability.
Binance CEO Comments on Potential Fine Refunds
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), CEO of Binance, weighed in on recent discussions surrounding the company’s US$4.3 billion settlement related to anti–money laundering and sanctions compliance failures. Zhao stated on social media platform X that any potential refund from the U.S. government would be reinvested into American industries, emphasizing that he has neither requested any reimbursement nor expects one.
Legal experts have clarified that Zhao’s recent presidential pardon does not affect Binance’s corporate financial penalties, and the settlement remains intact. The pardon has also ignited controversy, including accusations of undisclosed cryptocurrency payments to political campaigns.
New ICIJ Investigation Exposes Illicit Crypto Flows
In a notable development, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) published a report revealing that major cryptocurrency exchanges have continued processing billions of dollars tied to criminal networks from 2023 to 2025, even amidst intensified regulatory scrutiny.
The investigation pinpointed Binance and OKX as key platforms channeling funds involved in scams, drug trafficking, and state-sponsored hacking attacks. Specifically, Binance reportedly received over US$400 million from accounts linked to the Huione Group — a Cambodia-based entity deeply connected to Chinese criminal syndicates. OKX was also implicated with transfers exceeding US$200 million from the same network, some of which occurred after Huione was designated a primary money-laundering concern by U.S. authorities.
The report traced stolen funds from a North Korean hacking operation involving US$1.5 billion, noting significant Binance deposits routed through decentralized finance protocol THORChain. Additional evidence tied some exchange transactions to fentanyl traffickers, cartel money launderers, and organizations linked to North Korea’s weaponry programs.
What’s Next for Crypto Investors?
With ETFs witnessing sustained redemptions, Bitcoin facing strong headwinds, and regulatory pressures mounting due to illicit activity revelations, traders and investors are navigating a complex landscape. The interplay of political uncertainty, macroeconomic factors, and stricter oversight continues to influence sentiment and market dynamics.
For real-time updates and deeper insights into blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets, follow @INN_Technology.
About the Authors
Giann Liguid is a writer with a background in interdisciplinary studies from Ateneo De Manila University. His diverse experience spans security, food, and business sectors, plus public administration.
Meagen Seatter is an Investment Market Content Specialist at Investing News Network with expertise in marketing and cognitive sciences. She combines her passions for tech, life sciences, and psychedelics with thoughtful market analysis.
This article serves informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Both authors hold no direct financial interest in the companies mentioned.