Why Is Crypto Down Today? – October 16, 2025
As of today, the global crypto market cap falls around $3.88 trillion (−1.4%) with a total trading volume $194 billion. Today’s Bitcoin is almost $110,774 (−2.2%) while Ethereum’s price is $3,993 (−4.4%). If we talk about altcoins, out of 100 coins, almost 93 have been dropped. However, BTC and ETH are still stable.
Multiple factors, including panic selling and an abundance of short-term benefit seekers, caused this market-wide downturn. Glassnode via cryptoNews stated that “Without a renewed catalyst to lift prices back above $117.1k, the market risks deeper contraction toward the lower boundary of [the $108.4k–$117.1k] range.”
Key Drivers of the Decline
The number one reason for this sudden fallout could be short-term holders’ panic selling. Over 56 thousand BTC were sent to the exchange at a loss. It was triggered by a 5.05% drop in BTC. All this happened between October 13 and 14, showing a lack of confidence and trust from investors in the market. AMBCrypto analyzed the short-term holder behavior, noting that “They were holding BTC at a loss and collectively sent 56k BTC to exchanges at a loss, showing panic-driven selling.”
Another core factor is the recent dormant whale wallet movement, which not only predicted but also bet on the crypto market falling out soon. This long-dormant wallet transferred 2 thousand BTC on October 16. It raised questions about the fairness of the market. AMBCrypto further added that “Between October 13 and the early hours of October 14, Bitcoin [BTC] experienced a 5.05% price drop. In the space of 14 hours, it fell from $115,868 to $110,012.”
As of today, the SEC decision on the Solana ETF is also expected. After Solana’s tweet “Big Week” from its official Twitter account, the crypto community hyped the week as pivotal. However, a lack of announcement or delay has disappointed traders. “The price dip on Tuesday prompted a large number of BTC to be sold at a loss by short-term holders, revealing they y feared another price crash,,” said AMBCrypto.
What to Watch Next
SEC’s Solana ETF ruling is going to play a critical role in the whole scenario. Now we have to see if it will be announced or delayed again. Analysts also have to closely monitor the institutional shift occurring because of the whale wallet moments. Exchange inflows are rising, which signals further selling pressure.
