Bitcoin Falls Below $90,000 Amid Continued Pressure on Cryptocurrencies
December 15, 2025 – The cryptocurrency market is experiencing renewed turbulence as Bitcoin slips once again below the $90,000 mark, signaling ongoing pressure across digital assets.
Despite recent accommodative measures by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which undertook technical quantitative easing (QE) and cut interest rates, Bitcoin and major tech stocks have struggled throughout last week. The Nasdaq 100 index fell over 2% across five trading sessions, while Bitcoin retreated from above $94,500 to hover around $87,000 over the weekend. As of Monday morning, Bitcoin was trading near $89,500. ### Market Volumes and Activity Wane
Trading volumes for Bitcoin’s spot market have been falling, accompanied by weakening activity in derivatives markets, particularly futures and options contracts. This subdued trading is also reflected in altcoins, which have yet to recover from the sharp crash on October 10. Smaller-scale projects continue to show trading volumes consistent with a persistently bearish market environment.
Notably, Bitcoin remains about 30% below its October peak near $126,000 and faces challenges regaining positive momentum. On-chain data points to elevated downside risk, suggesting that after several weeks of historically low volatility, a major price movement could emerge. Bitcoin has consolidated tightly around the $90,000 level.
An important metric called the Inter-Exchange Flow Pulse (IFP), which gauges Bitcoin activity moving between exchanges on the blockchain, has been steadily declining. Historical trends show similar patterns before bearish markets in 2018 and 2022. Additionally, inflows of Bitcoin to Binance have dropped to their lowest levels since 2018, indicating that investors are generally reluctant to sell their holdings at current prices.
ETF Flows Reflect Market Caution
Investor sentiment remains cautious, as reflected in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to cryptocurrencies. Despite solid fundamentals projected for 2026 — including an anticipated U.S. earnings season, potential interest rate reductions, and possibly a more accommodative Fed policy stance — risks remain tilted to the downside given tepid market engagement.
Recent weeks have seen only modest inflows to crypto ETFs during price upticks, while outflows have been heavier during market dips. This pattern indicates a market "fatigue" and a reduced appetite for exposure in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets following years of significant price growth.
On a brighter note, certain ETFs geared towards Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana (SOL) posted positive net inflows last week, signaling some renewed interest among institutional investors.
Outlook
With both traditional equity markets and cryptocurrency markets displaying mixed signals, the near-term outlook remains uncertain. Market participants are advised to exercise caution, understanding the risks inherent in trading complex financial instruments like CFDs, which carry a high risk of swift capital loss due to leverage effects.
This article contains information provided by XTB, a company with over 20 years of experience in the investment sector. Please note that CFDs, or Contracts for Difference, are complex instruments with high risk and that 71% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs with this provider. Investors should ensure they fully understand how CFDs operate and assess whether they can afford the risks involved.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product.
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