ETH, SOL, ADA Prices Dip as Bitcoin Weakness Persists Despite Record Stock Market Gains
December 24, 2025 | By Shaurya Malwa
Bitcoin and leading cryptocurrencies including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) experienced declines Wednesday amid continued weakness in Bitcoin, even as global stock markets surged to new record highs. This divergence underscores investors’ growing risk aversion, highlighted by notable outflows from crypto investment products.
Bitcoin Struggles Below $90,000 Amid Overall Crypto Market Retreat
The total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell approximately 1.4% to $2.97 trillion, slipping back under the crucial $3 trillion threshold after failing once again to sustain a robust rebound.
Bitcoin hovered just below $87,000, unable to maintain gains above the $90,000 mark for the third consecutive day. Ethereum lost 1.5%, trading near $2,927. Meanwhile, other major tokens felt greater pressure: Solana declined nearly 3%, XRP fell about 2%, and Dogecoin dropped by over 2%.
Stocks Hit New Highs as Investors Seek Safer Assets
In stark contrast, global equities posted strong gains. The MSCI All Country World Index extended its rally to five consecutive sessions, reaching fresh all-time highs with a cumulative year-to-date gain of 21%. Asian markets saw modest increases led by technology shares, buoyed further by the S&P 500’s record close on Tuesday.
Light trading volume ahead of the Christmas holiday contributed to muted European futures, but the momentum in stocks reflects investor preference for perceived safety amid ongoing uncertainty.
Signs of Increased Selling Pressure in Crypto Markets
Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, observed that cryptocurrency markets are showing signs of intensified seller dominance. He noted in an email:
“The market was unable to repeat the robust rebound from the local bottom, indicating increased pressure from sellers. Larger market participants appear to be behaving cautiously, favoring measured selling over sharp, retail-driven volatility, suggesting a potential shift toward a bear market phase.”
Kuptsikevich also highlighted a complex risk environment. Despite a sell-off in Bitcoin after briefly breaking past $90,000 earlier this week, gold and other precious metals rallied decisively, while the U.S. dollar weakened. This divergence points to investors reassessing their risk tolerance, possibly signaling a broader risk-off stance that may extend into other asset classes, including developing market equities and currencies.
Crypto Investment Products See Significant Outflows
Market data further underscores waning investor enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies. According to CoinShares, global crypto investment products recorded outflows totaling $952 million last week, ending a three-week streak of inflows. Bitcoin-related products experienced outflows amounting to $460 million, while Ethereum funds shed $555 million.
Interestingly, XRP and Solana products bucked the trend with modest inflows of $63 million and $49 million, respectively, indicating some selective investor interest despite the broader pullback.
What Lies Ahead for Crypto Investors?
Analysts warn that the current risk-off sentiment may continue to weigh on cryptocurrency valuations in the near term. Kuptsikevich anticipates “an even more pronounced decline in cryptocurrencies in the coming weeks,” warning that the aversion to risk might spread further into stock markets and emerging market currencies.
Market participants will be closely watching for signs of renewed strength in Bitcoin and broad crypto indices, as well as responses from investors to global economic data and monetary policy developments.
Summary of Key Prices as of December 24, 2025:
| Cryptocurrency | Price (USD) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $86,790.40 | -0.89% |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $2,920.28 | -0.74% |
| Solana (SOL) | $121.41 | -2.71% |
| Cardano (ADA) | $0.3557 | -2.88% |
| XRP | $1.8583 | -1.18% |
| Dogecoin (DOGE) | $0.1274 | -2.18% |
As 2025 draws to a close, the crypto market faces challenges from shifting investor sentiment and macroeconomic uncertainties, even as traditional equity markets continue making gains. Investors and analysts alike will be monitoring closely to see if cryptocurrencies can regain momentum or if the current cautious environment will persist into 2026. —
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About the Author: Shaurya Malwa is a financial journalist specializing in cryptocurrency markets and macroeconomic trends, contributing to CoinDesk’s coverage of digital assets.