[LIVE] Crypto News Today: Market Turns Bearish as Bitcoin Tests $115K, XRP Dips Below $3 – August 18, 2025
By Jai Pratap, Asia Desk Editor, Cryptonews.com
Last Updated: August 18, 2025
The cryptocurrency market exhibited bearish tendencies on August 18, 2025, as major digital assets experienced price declines amid mixed market signals. Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, dropped 2.08%, testing the critical $115,000 price level, while Ripple’s XRP slipped below the $3 mark, stirring conversations among investors and traders.
Market Snapshot
- Bitcoin (BTC): $115,645.46 | +0.27% (Note: Intraday prices fluctuated, overall daily trend down 2.08%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $4,301.23 | -0.33% (with a daily dip of approximately 3.5%)
- Solana (SOL): $182.12 | +0.38%
- Pepe (PEPE): $0.000010 | +0.69%
- Shiba Inu (SHIB): $0.000012 | -0.26%
- Dogecoin (DOGE): $0.22 | -0.61%
- XRP: $3.01 | +1.02% (intraday movement includes slipping below $3)
Ethereum gas fees stabilized at a low 1.40 gwei, contributing to efficiency in transactions across the Ethereum network despite price drops.
Bitcoin Faces Resistance at $115K
Bitcoin’s recent dip to test $115,000 has raised caution flags among investors. Despite the large market capitalization of over $2.1 trillion, the flagship crypto’s inability to break out to higher levels points to market hesitation. Analysts suggest that macroeconomic factors and global regulatory concerns may be contributing to the current bearish pressure.
Ethereum and Altcoins Follow the Downtrend
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, fell more than 3.5%, trading just below $4,400 at the time of reporting. Other altcoins including Solana and Dogecoin also exhibited minor declines amid the market pullback.
However, the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector demonstrated resilience. Notably, Chainlink (LINK) surged by 14.32%, buoyed by announcements about a new on-chain reserve mechanism and a strategic partnership with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Other DeFi tokens such as Maker (MKR), Aerodrome Finance (AERO), and DEFI.ssi also posted gains ranging from modest to significant, highlighting investor confidence in the DeFi space despite overall market softness.
Notable Developments and News
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XRP Mining App Launch: A new application allows users to mine XRP directly using their smartphones, potentially expanding accessibility and adoption.
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Ripple’s Strategic Outlook: Ripple executives emphasize the XRP Ledger’s suitability for “real-world assets,” anticipating trillions of dollars flowing onto the platform in the coming years.
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Regulatory Insights: Tether co-founder William Quigley shared perspectives on potential crypto regulations under a possible second term for former President Donald Trump.
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Thailand’s Crypto-to-Baht Payment System: The nation officially launched a payment system facilitating crypto-to-fiat transactions for tourists, aiming to streamline payments and encourage crypto adoption.
Market Capitalization and Trends
The total crypto market capitalization is estimated at approximately $4.1 trillion, experiencing a decline nearing 4% in recent sessions. The Fear and Greed Index, a popular sentiment gauge, indicates cautious trading behaviors, reflecting uncertainty in global markets.
What to Watch Next?
Investors are closely monitoring the following aspects:
- Bitcoin’s ability to hold the $115K support level or fall back to lower thresholds.
- Further developments in DeFi partnerships and technological innovations.
- Regulatory announcements from major jurisdictions including the U.S. and Asia.
- Adoption trends influenced by new apps and payment integration schemes like Thailand’s recent launch.
Final Thoughts
While the current market shows signs of bearish correction, notable pockets of strength in DeFi suggest ongoing structural growth within the crypto ecosystem. Traders and investors are advised to stay informed, leverage analytical tools such as crypto tax calculators, Ethereum gas trackers, and price prediction models, and always consider the high-risk nature of cryptocurrency investments.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should perform their own research and consult financial advisors before making investment decisions.
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About the Author:
Jai Pratap serves as Asia Desk Editor at Cryptonews.com, guiding a team of international reporters covering blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the web3 industry. With over five years of experience, he provides thorough and timely insights into the dynamic crypto world.
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